It's been so long since I had an entire male pup (my last dog not knowing "the difference between Stork and butter" as my mother describes it!!) that I've forgotten just how early it is that they can make a serious attempt at mating. Currently the only object that suffers from my 18 week old JRT's attentions has been the side of his bed which gets a bothering once in a while and he's never attempted to hump another dog of either sex. However, the other night, while out in town for late night shopping, he met a Border Terrier bitch and it was as if someone had turned on his own personal Christmas tree lights! Nothing happened because I removed him very swiftly but wonder whether anything productive could have resulted at this young age?

His New Year Present (well February anyway!) is a trip to the vet to have the Christmas tree lights snipped!

Hi Roz, the youngest I've personally known a dog to sire a litter is 7 months but certainly it may be possible before this time, especially in smaller breeds. However, I'm not sure if you realise that bitches are only able to get pregnant when in season - which is usually for around 3 weeks every 6 months, and then only for a few days during this season will they allow a male to mate with them. Generally, in season bitches are not walked in parks or places where your boy is likely to be off his lead so I would say you have little to worry about. Dogs often do 'hump' each other, but this is not actually mating. One of my neutered males will often leap on his brothers back when he gets a bit too excited during a game of tug-o-war! Bitches will also sometimes mount each other, sometimes when in season, sometimes as a domination thing. Hope this helps, Jane :)

Thanks for your reply Jane. I have my suspicions that the little bitch hadn't quite finished her season  because the child holding the lead said "she's not really supposed to be out"!!! I've certainly had male dogs who were quite happy to hump another male if the opportunity presented itself. However, this was the first time that Nips has shown such positive and direct interest in the more fascinating parts of any bitch, despite regularly meeting many four legged friends.

Nips - what a fabulous name for a JRT :)   I do apologise then for my post - you're obviously not that clueless - despite the title of the post :)

How soon do the hormones kick in, harvey's 13 weeks old and is always humping his teddies and always pee's when doing it.....usually when we have company - 'more tea vicar'!!!

Hayley. x

LOL Hayley - mental picture :D

It's not his hormones yet - he doesn't know what he's doing or why - even bitches show this behaviour.  Most only go through a phase and personally I ignore it, but if it's becoming his mission in life then simply distract him ;)

:) Hayley!!

A friend of mine who finds it very difficult to discuss these things was round a couple of weeks ago and suddenly said "Oh dear, I think Nipper is having Percy Filth with his bed"!!  While I was recovering from the giggles my OH said "I don't think we need to worry about Percy. Only it looks much more like a good Rogering going on down there".