So....Neb has started humping (18.5 weeks). He hasn't even started teething yet! How fast they grow....

He's only done it a couple of time, and he doesn't have an erection, and it's not the highest contact, but he's definitely hanging on and working it. This morning at our campsite (we were backpacking) he humped Teagan (right end! I had a rabbit that while fixed, was very imaginative with the girl rabbit. anywho) - Teagan turned around, glared at him, and made an uncomplimentary noise. He cleared off, and a few minutes later, attached to my leg.

With the exception of trying to eat mushrooms and similar sort of things, I haven't really corrected Neb as I'm trying to work all positive at this age. I'm assuming this a pack/manners thing though?

What is the best way to handle this? Correct, redirect, distract? I have to admit this morning, I just called to my brother and said 'he's definitely humping me, eh? look at him!' and stared at him for a few moments before I distracted him.

If it continues though....distraction? When I adopted him, I did sign a spay/neuter contract (to be done at 6 months) - I had to - but I really would prefer him to be unneutered, so if the rescue doesn't follow up, I won't - so I want to lay out a good groundwork of no-humping protocol. Just want to make sure I'm not missing anything....thanks!

Given his young age I'd redirect him.

True was older than Neb when he started this. He's never tried it with me but he did try with my daughter and was corrected for it.

Now the only thing he humps is his dog cushion after every meal. It's a feeding time ritual.

thanks sarah

....figures neb is an early bloomer with this. i was like 'teeth first! no humping til you teeth!!!! darnit!'

 Quote: Sarah Morris

Now the only thing he humps is his dog cushion after every meal. It's a feeding time ritual.

I'd say that was a successful redirect...
(and it could be worse; could be your pillow or something)

bart was a big humper, from 11 weeks too.

he got a mouth full of lemonjuice. It took about 3 times, coupled with a stern "off". he quit that real fast.

now, all he needs is off, or even a glare, and he starts smacking his doggy lips, and he goes into a down.

i haven't had to correct him for humping since i don't know how long.


it works for barking too.

 Quote: Lynne Barrows

I'd say that was a successful redirect...

I take no credit for this. True probably took his cue from my male cat, who can usually be found on top of my daughter's stuffed animals. Yowling. Loudly. :shocked:

I had a cat, a neutered Siamese, that would hump any stationary object (to include sleeping dogs).

It was particularly obnoxious when you had your arm laying on the arm of the couch.

Hey Jennifer,

Enoch started the humping at around that time. I asked the same question. Here is my thread http://leerburg.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Board=134&Number=202980&Searchpage=1&Main=20150&Words=&topic=0&Search=true#Post202980
I hope that worked and hopefully the thread will give you some answers.

thanks maisha! he hasn't done it since....i was wondering if neb was doing it to the girls since he's never tried it on luc (and believe me, in terms of pack structure, teagan VASTLY outranks luc)

....it might sound weird, but thomas, my male rabbit who humped (nikolai, my current male, isn't a humper, not even with eco, his consort - they are of course both fixed) - anyways, i got thomas from a family of 3 men and 1 woman (who i worked with) - allergy issues - and he'd never displayed the behaviour. at the time, i lived w/my mom, and her female cat - and after a few months - thomas wasn't fixed - he was humping everything. it got so bad i stopped spending time with him. eventually i redirected him onto a little stuffed bunny that looked just like him - little thomas - but when i started finding deposits on little thomas, i have to admit, i got him fixed. which actually worked, when i adopted tiffany, they humped, but he never bothered me again. anyways, i always thought the switch from a predominantly male house to a all-female house - i always thought he picked up on the difference in hormones - maybe that sounds crazy, but i wondered when neb only humped the girls. especially b/c, like i say - if it's a 'humping the lower' thing - i don't know what he was doing on teagan and not luc. dunno though.

if he does it again, i'll redirect, and update if there's further issues. i just hope he starts teething soon. we go away backpacking for a week next saturday and my luck he'll start teething on the trip.

ETA Alyssa....oh dear! your cat and thomas would've gotten along, i think. when i was moving, and the super was showing the apartment, i can remember getting home about half an hour late one night - and they would always go at it if dinner was late, and they were free in my room at all times, since they were both really reliable with litterbox - i came in to some disturbed looking potential renters who said in hushed voices 'your rabbits....were....and not just the back....the front too!'