How To Address Aggression in Male Dogs During Mating Season

We assume many dog owners have faced a situation when their otherwise loving and friendly pet suddenly becomes slightly aggressive during the mating season. Such behavior can be concerning, but taking timely steps to control their assertiveness can make a huge difference. In this article, we shall provide an overview of recognizing the signs of male canine aggression and how to help them deal with it.  

How do Male Dogs Know About a Female Dog’s Heat Cycle?

When a female canine is in heat, she will release a unique pheromone—Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate. Interestingly, this chemical is so potent that a male canine can smell it several kilometers away. The slightest whiff of this hormone can alert your male dog, causing him to exhibit erratic behavior.

Will Your Dog Act Out When He Senses a Female Dog In Heat?

Yes, they will because the pheromones trigger their urge to mate. And your dog can go to the extent of escaping or running off the leash to reach his potential partner. Even for the gentlest breeds, controlling their desire becomes difficult. At that moment, all they want is to desperately mate. 

Your Dog Might Become Moody

Don’t be surprised to see your dog sulking in one corner the very next minute after having a great time with his favorite toy or treat. During the mating season, it is normal for them to have such mood swings as they are trying to figure out the reason behind their uncontrollable desire.

They Could Get More Restless

As your male dog senses a female dog in heat, he may start feeling anxious and more agitated. This aggression is a mutual reaction due to the female hormone aggressively pulling the male towards her. If the male canine doesn’t get to mate with his partner, he will get more restless.

Getting Territorial and Urinating Frequently

One of the common signs that most male dog breeds showcase is frequent urination with their legs lifted. Male dogs often mark by urinating in multiple locations, leaving their scent, and conveying messages about their reproductive status and territory to other dogs. Smaller breeds are more likely to exhibit this behavior.

Regular Mounting

Due to their heightened urge to mate, you’ll see an increased mounting behavior in your dog. This surge in libido prompts them to attempt to mount anything in sight, including other dogs, objects, and even humans. Also, if he doesn’t find anything to mount on, your dog might try to mount in the air. 

Showing Interest In Other Dogs

When the mating season arrives, male dogs become noticeably more attentive to their surroundings, particularly to female dogs. This holds for even the most introverted dog breeds, like Akita and Shiba Inu. Conversely, they will become more aggressive towards other male dogs at such times.

To Manage Aggression: Ensure Male Dogs Get Enough Exercise

The goal is to help your dog redirect his attention away from the pheromones that trigger his mating instincts. One effective way to achieve this is through exercise. Increase your dog’s playtime and add vigorous activities to his daily routine to tire him out and reduce his urges until they subside.

Distraction Can Be Helpful

Apart from giving them the much-needed exercise, you can also use distraction techniques to drive their attention from mating. We recommend you use chew toys and other stimulating activities to keep them mentally occupied. These distractions prevent your canine from aggression.   

Teach Them Obedience Training From Early On

Obedience training should be a continuous process, not something that stops once your dog has learned basic commands. During mating season, it’s essential that your dog reliably responds to commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “leave it.” These commands help you maintain control in situations where aggression arises.

Keep Your Yard Secured

A secure fence will be a physical deterrent that keeps your dog safely contained within your yard, reducing the risk of him encountering other dogs, especially females in heat. Just ensure that the fence also extends underground by at least a foot to stop your dog from digging underneath.

Preventing Mating: Keep the Male and Female Dogs Separate

A proven strategy to avoid an unwanted litter is to keep the male and female dog separate from each other by all possible means. Due to their biological urge, preventing your male dog from mating will be easier if kept indoors or in a crate when the female is experiencing her heat cycle.  

Using Menthol To Mask The Pheromone Scent

While bathing your female dog during her heat cycle may help mask her scent to some extent, it’s not a reliable long-term solution. Many pet parents recommend spraying a menthol spray on her tail several times daily to keep her male counterpart from picking up the pheromone trail.

Using Washable Wraps

Half-body wraps are practical tools for preventing mating and keeping male dogs calm. They cover the genital area, creating a barrier that reduces the likelihood of successful mating. However, wraps are only a partial solution, and proper management and training are required to address mating urges in male dogs.

Know When to Seek Veterinary Advice

If your dog’s aggression persists or worsens, it may be time to seek veterinary advice. Underlying health issues, such as pain or hormonal imbalances, could contribute to the behavior. A veterinarian can offer medical interventions or recommend behaviorists for further support.