lesbianism in a dog?

Question
Hello Sandra--and yes, you read that right.

I have a sixteen-month old Labrador-Newfoundland cross bitch.  She's lovely in all respects, but displays one curious habit. I mean, I know all dogs do funny things occasionally, and in the sexual area, but my dog is at it ALL THE TIME! We live in the country and where her favorite (male) friends come over on a regular basis to play with her, only to be... how can I put this,.. veritably sexually assaulted by a bitch who seems to think she is an (equally randy) male.

"Molly" inherited her size from her Newfie half. She is a full one-hundred-and-twenty pounds--virtually dwarfing her normal Labrador "victims"--who, by the way are quite obviously displeased about her behavior.

Molly has been "fixed".  Trouble is, I think we had her fixed the wrong way.

Question(s): Is this "normal"?  Did her fixing have anything to do with messing up her hormones.  Is such behavior something that can be changed by training?  And should we try, at all, or just leave her alone?  The whole thing is more comical than anything else, but really, I'm afraid that one in particular of her male friends will go over the edge one day, at which I will have one hell of a dog fight on my hands.

ATB,
Dan

Answer
Well, if she's practicing on male dogs, it's not really lesbianism, is it? (sorry, couldn't resist)
It's not as common a behavior in females, but it's also not uncommon or abnormal. This is a behavior that can have many meanings - not all are sexual. It can be play, it can be status-seeking, it can be an outlet for over-stimulation, it can be information seeking behavior ("will you allow me to do this?")
And yes, sometimes spaying does make a female more "doggy".
I'd be working on some training so you can ask her for an incompatible behavior (she can't come to you and simultaneously hump a playmate)and also work on some self control exercises. When you see her getting excited in play, stop the game and asked her to do other, less exciting things. While it's not harmful behavior, it doesn't sound like her "partners" are enjoying it, and it could lead to some minor disputes. Sandy Case MEd CPDT www.positivelycanine.com