leg humping

Question
We have a 16 week old golden retriever male puppy who is starting to hump legs etc.. What does this mean? Heat? also,
what can we do about it?
We have a vet appt coming up, but it has been getting worse and we don't want to correct the puppy if this is uncontrolable
Thanks

Answer
All behaviors are controllable, some much easier that others.  It is annoying, but not a major problem.  I would go ahead and discuss neutering him in your vet visit.  I think the trend is toward earlier and earlier.  Do it as soon as your vet is willing.  Your vet will have his own ideas and pay little heed to my opinion.  

Good leadership will help too.  If you haven't started obedience training, start now.  The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts. Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat.

When he does it, in a quiet, but firm voice give it an ''Ah, ah, ah!''.  Then distract him with a toy.