humping and nursing

Question
My 4 month old female bulldog has been nursing since i received her at 8 weeks and within the last month will hump her bed when nursing or even my leg, but only when nursing no animals or people.  Is this also dominance related?

Answer
Denise, I guess my question to you is why is your dog nursing, at 4 months old, or even when she was 8 weeks old? She should have been weaned well before 8 weeks, and >>definitely<< should not still be nursing now. I am confused.

Humping is dominance related 99% of the time. The remaining 1% of humping is done solely for reproductive purposes. Some dogs will hump things as a way of 'claiming' them, which is what it sounds like your dog is doing. This falls under the 99% of humping that is dominance-related. I don't think humping inanimate objects is a big deal (unless she becomes possessive over them and will not allow you near them, or allow you to touch or pick them up). Humping >>people<<, however, is ALWAYS a no-no.

If she is not already spayed, that's something you should consider doing, for her own health, but the humping should be dealt with through training. She should be scolded for trying to hump any person, and if you have to, physically make her stop by standing up and pushing her away with your foot. Do not sit back down until she walks away from you. If she's doing it to guests, keep a leash on her and use that to correct her for it.