For the last two days, my male DDB who is never on a lead in the park has sorta taken a shining to a burmese mountain bitch.  It's been a little embarrasing, especially as he is trying to mount her from the side..  I tell him no, and call him to me and walk in the other direction, but i noticed the same thing happened yesterday... and besides from just being embarrased and having to apologized to the owner, i figured i would try reading up on it.. with no luck.  He's 8 months now... almost 9.  I hate to sound too naive, but is this seasonal in males?  Meaning, is this the time, and do i have to worry about him meeting other dogs in the park and such?  He doesnt do it to any other dogs i've seen.. just this one... actually come to think of it.. that's not true.  I did see him try and mount a 7 year old collie bitch last week... but she put him in her place.  Any advice is welcomed.

Well, i've been more reading... and so many confusing sites on google... supposedly, im not suppose to correct him, but let the bitch correct him (which the collie last week did).  I don't really like that thinking... leaves room for mistakes.  Other sites suggest giving him a doll for when he's randy... but i've seen doggy borstal and know thats frowned on.  This is my first male dog... so sorry for the elementary questions.

Are you sure she is not in heat. If she is it is very irresponsible of the other owner to be walking her in a public park.

I think his just got to "that" age now and if a bitch is due in, in or just finished or even lives with a bitch in season then she is going to smell.

You know... i was so busy being embarrased i didnt even think of that!

Gosh, i feel stupid.  She's about a year old as well... so anything is possible.  Gosh, i will find out later today at park.

I think the only reason people might say not to chastise him but to let the bitch do it, is if you are going to use him at stud.  Letting the bitch determine his reaction is a good guide to making a good stud dog IMO.  One day, with this method, he may find a willing bitch and you could find your dog tied to another in a public place - very embarrassing.

I would certainly deter him from this behaviour as he doesn't have to mate to grow up happy and healthy.  In dog society only certain dogs would be allowed that privilege and others would not, that is perfectly natural. 

He's just growing up and needs to find his place in the scheme of things.  As you are in charge of him you have to make these important decisions for him.

at nearly 9 months old it's likely that your dog is experiencing great surges of testosterone raging through his adolescent loins. indeed, i tend to compare young dogs at this age with teenage lads who can not only reach the top shelf in the newsagent but now realise why they want to! mounting isn't acceptable behaviour and should be deterred. as echo says, there's absolutely no need for him to mate and the last thing you want to happen is an accidental "behind the bike sheds" sort of incident.

:P Teenage dogs have several times more testosterone than adult dogs, too; 'tis a fact :D

Lindsay
x

It is also possible that there is a bitch in heat that uses the park, and he can pick up the scent, maybe in his young confused state he is trying his luck on something of similar size. :-D