new dog in house (posturing/humping)

terrapin05

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#1
We just introduced a new heavy beagle/bassett mix to our household consisting of one beagle and cat. The smaller beagle is clearly the alpha and is constantly grabbing the bassett near back hind legs and neck and humping and posturing/growling when near neck. I hear this is normal behavior, but how long should one expect it to last, and what do you do if it doesn't stop?
 

Zoom

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#2
This is one of those things that you're never really sure how it will play out. It might stop on it's own after they get used to each other and settle in. It might not and the beagle will hump the living daylights out of the basset if given the chance. My advice would be to put a stop to the excessive part of it...I feel it's acceptable occasionally as long as the humpee isn't reacting defensively or aggressively towards if. If they just stand there and take it, then let them. But if they both start growling or getting angry, put a stop to it now. Body block the beagle away from the basset anytime you see the beagle going in for a good hump.
 

terrapin05

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#3
The bassett is not aggressive at all and I think sees it as play, but occasionally when the bassett reacts playfully it intensifies to heavier snarling/growling, and when the bassett plays and puts the beagle down or on back, it intensifies. I just read what's below on the training forum and may try that if it stays constant. It has been constant, every time the bassett moves away or runs toward something else, she goes for the back.

If she does anything you consider rude or unacceptable when playing with the others (jumping on them, biting, barking, mouthing...whatever you decide is too much), show her it's not okay by taking away her fun. The second you see the improper behavior, go out and clip a leash on her and lead her inside for a "time out" all alone. Don't say anything to her as you do this. Take her to a boxer-proof (is there any such thing?) bathroom or small bedroom where there's nothing fun for her to do and shut her inside (make sure there's plenty of light and ventilation--windows are a must). If she's going to be rowdy, she can do it by herself. After about 5 minutes, go back in, clip on the leash, take her back outside, and let her go. (If you're already practicing resource control, this will be much easier to do.) Then, if she does something cruddy, repeat the whole process. Let her know you're willing and able to show her what play behavior is okay and what is not. The key, as always, is consistency. If something's not okay now, it's not okay ever. And, more importantly when you get her out with stranger-dogs, what is okay now is always okay, unless different understood instructions are given.
 

terrapin05

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#5
Day 2: Beagle still aggressive to hump and posture, but bassett much more playful and sees as such, mouthing beagle around neck and and back and pinning down. Nothing really, really heated. Beagle is most heated when she is right on bassett's neck, moving side to side and growling hard. The hard part is I'm not sure if beagle is enjoying the rough play of the bassett. Sometimes it seems she is, wagging tail and going back for more. I tried a few time-outs last night but this morning still more humping.
 

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