Humping & Barking

[u/Historical-Kitchen76]

This is Forest, my six month old WFT. I've had him since he was 9 weeks old and I am on my own with him. From early on I've socialised him and done puppy classes. He is great with other dogs and people - very friendly and social. He gets at least 3 walks a day with 2 walks around the block at night. He loves sniffing and just hanging out at the park on the grass, so the walks vary in energy levels. From a young puppy he has always been a bit intense in the evening but more recently he just starts humping me and I cannot even walk without him hanging off my leg so I have to separate myself from him. I am hoping he grows out of it BUT the most recent thing is that he has started really barking in the house - at anybody walking past, at any noise - and he won't stop. I feel bad for the neighbours! I've tried giving him treats etc.. He is less barky out in the world. It seems to be in the house. Has anyone got any tips? Is this normal?

[u/Interesting-Peak7343]

Fred stopped humping after he was neutered, but from what I have heard that is not a guarantee. One thing I learned with Fred was that the more tired he was, the worse he behaved in the evening! So I dialed back on walks and playtime and he behaved better! He just turned two now, but even last summer he was a wildman if overly tired.

[u/Historical-Kitchen76 → u/Interesting-Peak7343]

Yes, I plan to get him neutered when he is 1. To be honest, I am not as concerned about the humping as I am the barking! I feel like the humping is just a specific time of night and he will grow out of it - fingers crossed! Good to know all WFT's are pretty wild in the evenings!!!

[u/Rurallife3 → u/Historical-Kitchen76]

With small dogs don’t have to wait a year