Have you noticed your male dog constantly bothering your female pooch? He just won’t leave her alone, always hovering nearby, trying to sniff and lick her. You yell at him to stop, but he keeps obsessively trailing after her. What gives? There are a few common reasons a male dog fixates on a female dog like this. Don’t worry, it’s natural behavior you can understand and manage. We’ll cover the main causes, like hormones, dominance, and boredom, and give you tips to curb the bothersome behavior. With some training adjustments, your male dog will learn to give your female dog some breathing room. Keep reading to understand why your male dog is so clingy and how to dial it back.
Understanding Male Dog Behavior Around Females in Heat
When a female dog goes into heat, male dogs may act strangely around them. Their behavior is driven by a strong biological urge to mate, so don’t be surprised if your male dog shows interest in a female in heat.
Increased Attention and Affection
Your male dog may pay extra attention to a female dog in heat, following her around and lavishing her with affection. He may whine, pace, or seem anxious when separated from her. This behavior is normal and will subside once the female is out of heat.
Mounting and Mating Attempts
Male dogs have an instinct to mate, so they may frequently try to mount the female, even if she’s not receptive. He may also mark his territory more often by urinating in the house. Be patient and consistent in correcting this behavior. Keep the dogs under close supervision, especially for the first week of the female’s heat cycle.
Aggression Towards Other Males
Your male dog’s mating instinct may also cause aggression towards other male dogs during this time. His territorial behavior will intensify, and he may act aggressively towards other males to keep them away from the female. Keep other male dogs away from your home, and supervise interactions between the dogs when outside.
Loss of Appetite
Some male dogs lose their appetite when there’s a female dog in heat nearby. The mating urge suppresses their hunger drive. Offer your dog extra treats and rewards to keep him eating. His appetite should return to normal once the female is out of the heat.
The behavior of male dogs is often perplexing for owners when there’s a female in heat nearby. Remaining patient, and providing extra supervision and correction when needed can help curb unwanted behavior. If your dog’s behavior concerns you or causes problems, consult a vet or professional dog trainer for guidance. Within a few weeks, your dog’s behavior and routine should return to normal.
Tips to Keep Male Dogs Away From Females in Heat
It can be frustrating when a male dog won’t leave your female dog alone. The strong smell of a female dog in heat triggers the male dog’s instincts, but there are a few things you can do to discourage his behavior.
Avoid Taking Your Female Dog Outside
During her heat cycle, don’t take your female dog to public places like dog parks where unneutered male dogs may be present. Only take her out on a leash for potty breaks in your yard. The less exposure she has to intact males, the less opportunity they’ll have to bother her.
Spay Your Female Dog
One of the most effective ways to prevent male dogs from being attracted to your female innocent dog is to have her spayed. Spaying removes her ovaries and uterus, eliminating her heat cycles. Your female dog will no longer give off an odor that attracts male dogs or go into a reproductive heat cycle.
Neuter Male Dogs
Have any unneutered male dogs in your household neutered? Neutering makes male dogs less aggressive and less likely to roam or mark their territory. It can also help reduce undesirable behaviors like mounting, aggression, and urine marking.
Use Training Techniques
Train your male dog to avoid and ignore your female dog when she’s in heat. Use commands like “leave it,” “look away,” and “go to your spot.” Reward and praise your male dog when he obeys the commands. With consistency, he can learn to control his impulses around an intact female. You should also avoid rough play or other excitement that could stimulate his breeding instinct.
By managing your dogs’ environment, having them spayed or neutered, and using basic training techniques, you can help curb a male dog’s interest in a female dog in heat. With time and consistency, his behavior should improve.
FAQs on Controlling Male Dogs Around Females in Heat
Does my male dog not want to leave my female dog alone?
It’s normal for intact male dogs to be attracted to females in heat. The strong smell of a female in estrus triggers their mating instinct. Your male dog may whine, pace, drool or even try mounting the female. The only way to stop this behavior is by neutering your male dog. Neutering will reduce his hormone levels and make him less likely to roam or mark his territory.
How can I keep male dogs away from my female in heat?
Keep your female indoors when she’s in heat, especially when unattended. This will prevent random males from approaching her. You should also keep her on a leash when taking her outside. Ask friends and family with intact males to keep their dogs away during this time.
Do I need to keep my female dog confined?
It’s best to keep a female in heat confined indoors when you’re not home to supervise. Even if your yard is fenced, a determined male dog may find a way in. Keeping her confined will also prevent her from leaving scent markers that attract males. Provide your female with toys to keep her occupied indoors. Take her out on a leash for walks and potty breaks.
How long do I need to keep males away from a female in heat?
A female dog typically stays in heat for 2 to 4 weeks. You’ll need to keep males away from her during this entire period. Her fertility will drop in the last week, but there’s still a chance of pregnancy if males mate with her. Only after 4 weeks have passed since the start of her heat can you safely allow intact males around her again.
By following these tips, you can help control annoying and unwanted behavior from male dogs around your female in heat. Neutering males and confining females during estrus are the most effective ways to curb their mating instincts and prevent unwanted breeding. If you have any other questions, consult your vet.
Conclusion
So in summary, there are some clear reasons why that male dog just won’t leave your female pooch alone. It likely comes down to those powerful canine instincts and the whole mating game. Try to have some patience and understand it’s just in his nature when your girl is in heat. Do your best to keep them separated and be responsible if you don’t want puppies. And as always, talk to your vet if things get out of hand. But don’t take it personally – he can’t help himself, after all. Just hang in there until her cycle passes. This too shall pass.