What's going on?

I recently bought a new dog who is nine months old. Her breed isn't determinable as she seems to be a mongrel and we got her from the RSPCA pound.

Anyway, the reason I'm contacting you is because I'm interested in a little habit of hers, and of other dogs (male and female) that I have observed. It's that embarrassing 'humping' thing that they do. I don't fully understand why a female dog would do this. And in her case, she does it when I'm playing with her and she gets excited. I'm not sure whether it's just their nature or what, but if you could shed some light onto the situation, it would be great.

Yeah, it's just their nature! Some dogs and puppies do this when they are excited, happy or just for fun. Some females do this to other dogs if they are dominant but will even do it to pillows, stuffed toys etc.

Is your dog spayed? If so, just stop her immediately when she does this and distract her with a toy or a treat.

My dog did this when she was a very small puppy but grew out of it and never did it after she was spayed.

It was quite embarrassing when she did it to my visiting mothers shoe though! :D :D