my shorkie

Question
I have had my shorkie since he was 5 months and also have an 8 yr. old yellow lab.  My shorkie has recently turned 1 yr and follows my lab around and sleeps with him and tries to hump him. I recently had him neutered and he cries if hes not around the lab.  He sleeps with me and at the crack of dawn, he awake to get at the lab.  Why does he do this and what can I do to stop him.  Hes not hurting my lab but he still tries to hump him and won't leave his side.

Answer
Hi Suzanne,

The humping behavior isn't always sexual, it's also a means to show dominance, which is how your Shorkie is using it. When you see your Shorkie doing this behavior, tell him "NO!", then praise him the moment  he stops.

I doubt neutering your Shorkie would help stop this behavior, because it's a dominance issue. There's nothing harmful in the behavior, and it probably won't stop, even with your corrections.

What you can do to help your Shorkie is to work with him on some simple obedience commands. This will help his dominance issues, because it will enforce you as the dominant  pack leader. Enrolling in an obedience class is a great way for you to learn how to to train your dog.

Sometimes a puppy will closely bond with another dog. This is only a problem when the puppy prefers the company of the other dog, more than it's human family. Dogs are pack animals, after all!

Best of luck,
Patti