why do dogs hump people legs

Dogs hump people's legs for several reasons beyond just sexual behavior. Common causes include stress or anxiety, excitement or overstimulation, attention-seeking, play behavior, and sometimes insecurity or social ordering. It is not usually done to assert dominance, though some interpret it that way. Both male and female dogs, including neutered and spayed ones, may hump. It can also occasionally indicate a medical issue like irritation or infection. Humping often happens when dogs are overly excited or anxious, such as during play, when meeting people or other dogs, or when feeling insecure. It can be a way for dogs to release excess energy or cope with stress. Sometimes dogs hump to get attention because the behavior gets a reaction from people. Puppies also hump during play as a normal behavior to explore social interactions. Therefore, humping legs is generally an outlet for excitement, stress, or social communication rather than purely sexual motivation.