During a play fight last night with my Westie, Angus, he decided it would be a good idea to "bonk" my arm.  I've seen this in other terrier dogs, mainly a friend's Yorkie and I have been told it's a male dog's way of being friendly (I don't think that would wash with my female friends ;-) ).  Is this true or is there an underlying sexual reason? He has not had the "chop".

Cheers

John

This could happen for two reasons.  He might be showing dominance, or he might just be very excited after his play fight and couldn't calm down.  Personally I think the latter is probably the correct one from the way you explain it. But unless you are an in-season bitch, he wouldn't mount you for any sexual reason. :D

                                                                                                                                                         Kate

                                                                                                                                                                  

This often happens when dogs (and bitches!) whether they're neutered or not, get generally over-excited. To avoid it, keep Angus a bit calmer and avoid play-fights!
:)

Of course it is extremely simple to remove your arm................................

My Cairn doesn't need to be excited from playing to bonk my leg, he  does it all the time - and of course it's sexual.
A

Then don't let him do it, your in charge. Unless, of course, you don't mind, but I would make sure he does not do it to anyone else.

'Then don't let him do it, your in charge. Unless, of course, you don't mind, but I would make sure he does not do it to anyone else.'

Naturally it is not something I tolerate for either myself or other people and obviously we ARE working on the problem.

That's good, but do not make the mistake of saying it is sexual, unless the dog is ejaculating it is more likely he is pushing his luck with you.

I don't think it's a mistake to call it a sexual act even though he's not actually ejaculating.
I stop it as soon as it starts and he is gradually starting to learn now that I don't find it acceptable.

Thats good Andi, how old is this lad?

He is 5 months old.
Nice talking to you Jackie but I think I'll call it a day, I wouldn't want to hijack John's thread.
Over and out,
A

Andi with a 5 month old you do not have a problem, is he cocking his leg yet, would think he is just starting, what he is exhibiting is growing up behaviour and you are dealing with it by discouraging it, so no problem. You dog is at the same sort of age as a early teen boy and he will have the same problems and the same urges, it will pass, hang on in there. Sure John will not mind your goining his thread, it may even help.

in my opinion, this is clearly a dominance behavior and not a sexual one.