Hi all, our little girl is reaching the most fertile part of her cycle, and today I caught out neutured dog having a bit of fun with her. He has tried to go back for more on a couple of occasions, but she has told him where to go.

Firstly, is there any risk at all that he may still be able to impregnate her?

Secondly I am considering separating them when we are at work as I'm worried that they may get nasty with one another, do you think this is a reasonable thing to do under the circumstances?

Any advice gratefully received!

P.S title obviously should sat humping!!!!

How long ago was he neutered?

Last October, so about 5 months...

Although humping is considered a sexual action, it can also be used to signal power and rank. Dogs do, in effect, employ humping as a way of asserting authority. Whatever the motivation, when humping is directed toward peoples' legs, or objects in the environment, the result is the same: embarrassment for the dog owner and any guests who happen to be present.

Intact (unneutered) male dogs are most likely to engage in this disturbing behavior but neutered males and females may also express the behavior. The presence of sex hormones facilitates but does not dictate this annoying behavior. One out of three neutered male dogs and the occasional neutered female still engage in humping years after neuter surgery. Even when it's slated to disappear, humping may persist for several months after surgery before its frequency and intensity eventually wanes.

Last October, so about 5 months...

I would think that he would be infertile by now then so should be ok.

Thanks for the advice Moonbird and Loopylass. Normally she humps him (power/rank I would imagine), so it was very odd to see him on the go, but was just so worried that there was a chance of him catching her!!

Thankfully they don't try to hump us or guests, and once this season is over she will be done, which will hopefully prevent him doing this happening again (although she may continue on him).

At least Rodney's had a bit of fun out of it all, lol!!!

I wouldn't worry too much about the risk of him catching her- after 5 months he should be infertile. However, he's still got enough memory of the testosterone to remember what he should be doing when he gets the opportunity with a bitch in season!

In my opinion this falls into the harmless category if, as you say, neither of them do any of the dominance thing with family members and visitors.

Thanks medusa, feel reassured now.

As for human humping both have never done it to us. The old Bassett used to when she was in season, but we had spoilt her rotten thinking we would only have a year or two with her. However these two are far better trained etc so hopefully this will never be an issue.