Understanding Dog Sexual Behavior – Behaviors and Solutions
As spring arrives, so does the natural mating season for dogs. It's a beneficial concept in the wild for ensuring that puppies are born during the optimal conditions of summer. However, our companion dogs do not live in the wild. Typically, modern dog life requires celibacy from our dogs. The question is, does this pose a risk to their well-being?
Dog behavior from the wolf's perspective
Let's apply the above information to our pet dogs. Imagine a family of dogs consisting of unneutered females and males. A pair of them could consider themselves alpha male and alpha female, with the others naturally assuming different roles within the group. But... a group of unneutered dogs would likely be challenging to house under the same roof, especially during certain times of the year when the females go into heat.
Group dynamics in dogs compared to wolves
Let's apply the above to our pet dogs. Let's say that a dog family consists of unneutered females and males. A couple of them might consider themselves to be alpha male and female, and the others would naturally take on other roles. But... a group of unneutered pet dogs would most likely be difficult to house, at least at certain times of the year.
Domestication has led to female dogs going into heat a few times a year, and no one's heat suppresses anyone else's. In the grouping mentioned above, the females could potentially go into heat alternately throughout the year. Here lies the root of a dilemma. Who has the breeding rights in this dog family? Boundaries have blurred, which can create confusion and stress, and at worst, conflict and fights. This constellation can be really tough for some dogs.
Effects of castration on male dogs
If breeding is not the goal, many dog parents choose to neuter some individuals in the pack. Neutered males, when castrated shortly before reaching sexual maturity, do not go through the developmental phase that fuels the drive to spread their seed in the same way as intact males. The sex drive is reduced with castration but is not completely extinguished. Some neutered males may still be attracted to females, attempt to mate, and even engage in mounting behavior.
Some males are simply more driven by their sex hormones than others, and the adrenal glands will continue to produce testosterone even after castration.
Testosterone and aggression in dogs
There is no scientific evidence linking aggression and testosterone. However, we do see that the courage to challenge, compete, assert oneself, as well as energy, strength, and sex drive are influenced by testosterone. The combination of wanting to mate and other male dogs who may have the same desire can lead to competition. But this is not the same as being aggressive.
So, aggression is not sexual frustration. Males that are not allowed to mate do not walk around with increased frustration and generally do not become aggressive for that reason. However, dogs can become angry in a specific situation, such as when two males both want the same female in heat. It's important to understand that anger more often stems from stress, pain, and negative experiences than from a general attitude based on personality or hormones.
There is also no evidence supporting the claim that males who have been allowed to mate become generally more aggressive towards other male dogs. Dogs that have been used for breeding doesn't seem to be motivated to pick fights more than others in general. However, male dogs who have been allowed to mate will likely feel a stronger motivation to mate again if they smell a female in heat.
The impact of scent on male dog behavior
The scent is necessary to increase motivation for mating. Anything else would be energy-consuming. If the triggering scent wafts through the air, the testosterone and cortisol levels of the casanovas increase, making them restless. They may howl at night, urinate more frequently (leaving their mark), and pull more on the leash. They want to find the source of the scent.
If they are not given the opportunity to find who they are seeking, they can become noticeably distressed, even depressed. These dogs have their well-being affected because mating is hindered.
Separating dogs during mating times
Breeders with multiple males and females in the same pack often prioritize caution. During mating, they often separate the male. Breeding can involve a week with an outsider female visiting for mating or providing privacy for the lovebirds within the pack.
Sometimes the dogs are kept separate for a couple of extra days afterward, as the scents linger and have an effect on their interactions. Some breeders increase exercise and stimulation for the dogs that are not meant to mate, providing them with a solid outlet in other ways.
Do male dogs need to mate for well-being?
Do male dogs need sex? Yes and no, it depends. Yes, if you ask them and they live as intact males where the scent of a female in heat is part of their daily life, and they are triggered by the scent. If the frustration grows strong and becomes recurrent, neutering is a common choice as the dog may suffer from the stress.
No is the answer if the dog lives in a more secluded environment, perhaps in the countryside where the scent of a female in heat can occasionally be sensed but not too often. In that case, the frustration is temporary. And as usual, the strength of the need depends on the individual dog; few general rules can be established since all dogs are so different.
What About Females?
So, how about females? Females who have mated do not seem to actively seek out partners to a greater extent than unmated females. However, during their heat cycle, they may desire to find a mate, regardless of their previous experience.
This is related to hormone peaks and is not something that usually colors the dog's attitude toward the opposite sex in general. During their heat cycle, females may growl at the sight of another female in the same area. She may also be very receptive to males and assume a receptive position whenever the suitor is worthy. Or against the neighbor's leg, a couch cushion, or the house cat if handsome male dogs are out of reach.
Females right to choose her partner
Experienced breeders have experienced that females show affection towards certain males and choose their partner. They flirt and attract the one they consider most suitable if there is an opportunity to choose. But rarely is it up to the female; usually, it is us who choose which dogs should be bred.
Sometimes, our choice doesn't match the female's, and in that case, she may refuse to allow the male to approach. A male that does not want to mate cannot be forced. However, a female can be held still. Forced mating means forcing the female to mate by holding her despite her expressing discomfort or trying to escape. Forced mating of females is not ethical and can harm the dog.
However, a female may need support and assistance during mating if she wants to mate but the male is too eager or too short. The tie that follows a successful mating can also create anxiety. Providing a helping hand is not the same as forced mating.
Do females have a sexual need?
Back to the topic, do females have a sexual need? Yes and no, it depends, is the recurring answer. Yes, if they are in heat, they will likely consider it themselves, especially if they find the male attractive and the living environment is suitable for offspring.
The sex drive in females seems to depend, like males, on various factors. Some females hardly notice their heat cycle; they clean themselves, shrug off the male's advances, and ignore anything related to puppies.
And the final answer is no. Females probably do not need sex. The drive is triggered when they are in heat, a short period 2-3 times a year. Usually, we can redirect their attention, find other activities, and dampen the frustration. If it remains strong, spaying resolves the situation. On the other hand, males can be constantly triggered year-round if they live in an area full of attractive females.
Practical aspects of dog mating behavior
Dogs primarily mate for reproductive reasons. However, they may hump everything from cushions to legs or teddy bears. This behavior does not necessarily have anything to do with sex drive; more often, it is related to high levels of testosterone and adrenalin due to stress. And that is not the same as sexual frustration in a human sense.
Other important information
- "Alpha male" has nothing to do with leadership or dominance. It solely pertains to reproductive rights.
- Dogs humping people or objects has nothing to do with sex or dominance; it's more likely due to stress.
- Dogs can feel nervous when humans engage in sexual activity. It may seem odd to them. The physical proximity can lead to conflicts (from the dog's perspective). Simply close the door to solve the problem.
For more information on male dogs' sex drive in spring, please check out Male dogs' sex drive in spring. If you want to know more about the bitch's heat and what is important to consider, read Bitch's heat - everything you need to know! To return to the topic of this article, visit Dog sex drive - behaviors and solutions.
Written by: Caroline Alupo
Caroline Alupo is Petli's co-founder. She has a master's degree in ethology and is also a trained dog trainer and dog psychologist. She has 19 years of experience as a professional dog trainer. Read more about Caroline here.
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