3 year old cocker lab cross - Melbourne

My dog is a 3 year old cocker lab cross. He has been desexed yet he will try to hump my leg and most mornings he has an arousal, Is this common? I love him dearly and dont want to tell him off. As he is very attuned and smart. How can I distract him from this behaviour without hurting his feelings.
Posted: 24/12/2006   

Answer: Melbourne
It's hard to tell exactly why they do this. Generally it will be a dominance thing of some sort. Regardless, he is trying to claim you as his own. You're going to need to assert yourself to him, and very clearly express that this is not acceptable. Nicely pushing him off, with a 'thanks but no thanks' attitude won't curb this behavior. In the morning, have a treat in your pocket and wait for him to pounce. Very quickly stand up (so you are right above him) say 'NO', walk to the next room with him (quickly) request that he 'sits', and then offer him a treat once this had been done. Hopefully this will change his thought process and allow him to replace the behavior with another action. Remember to be firm and swift in your actions. It's your leg!
Posted: 06/01/2007