What can I do to get my male dog to leave my female dog alone? He keeps sniffing her and trying to mount her all of the time. She has been fixed ever since she was 10 weeks old. Is she still giving some sort of scent even though she has been fixed? I feel so bad yelling at my male dog all of the time to leave her alone. This has been going on for at least two months. HELP!

Neuter the dog if he is intact and consider behavior modification.

This problem is not likely due to your female dog. My first question for you is whether or not your male dog is neutered. If he is not, he will continue this behavior. Testosterone is a potent hormone and will cause many male dogs to mount things. I would recommend that you consider neutering him if he is not already.

The other possibility is that he is doing this as a means of showing dominance. How long have the two dogs been together? Most dogs work this issue out within the first two to three months of being together.

Mounting behavior is not limited to male dogs. Unspayed females and sometimes spayed ones may also engage in mounting behavior. In the latter situation, the dog may be trying to "tell" everyone that she thinks that she is the boss. In the former case the mounting behavior may result from either hormone-related factors or from dominance behavior.

Mounting behavior directed at people is usually a sign of dominance-aggression. In such cases the dog's owner should consider basic obedience training with the dog. These classes can teach dogs to be less dominant with owners and can help to deter dogs from mounting others.

If your male dog is already neutered, and if the two dogs do not seem to have any issues with which one is the "boss," you may want to consider using distractions or deterrents to get the male dog to stop. You should also consider basic obedience training with your dog.

Consult your veterinarian about this problem. The doctor may perform a physical examination and conduct some blood tests. Occasionally this behavior may be treated with medication. Otherwise, the veterinarian may refer you to an animal behaviorist in your area.

Good luck to you and your dogs.

11/17/00