Most dog owners cherish every moment with their furry companions, but daily responsibilities often limit that precious time together. This leads to a common dilemma: when engaging in intimate moments with a human partner, should your four-legged friend remain in the room, or is it better to separate beforehand?
Expert Insights from a Veterinary Behaviorist
To address this sensitive topic, podcast co-hosts Raj Punjabi and Noah Michelson of HuffPost's "Am I Doing It Wrong?" recently consulted Dr. Emily Levine, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist and owner of the Animal Behavior Clinic of New Jersey. Michelson shared his personal experience, noting that while his dog Jumi stays in the bedroom during intimate moments, he feels uncertain about the animal's perception of the situation.
When Dogs Can Stay: The General Rule
Dr. Levine emphasized that for many dogs, presence during human intimacy is not an issue. "For most dogs, it just doesn't matter," she explained. "If they're not bothered by it, it doesn't matter at all. Dogs don't have this hang-up like people do about things. They sort of live in the moment." This perspective suggests that owners may worry more than necessary, as dogs typically lack the social taboos humans associate with such activities.
Warning Signs: When to Remove Your Dog
However, certain behaviors indicate that a dog should not be present. "Where we shouldn't have the dog in a room when people are having sex is when the dog tries to intervene," Levine cautioned. Some dogs exhibit FOMO (fear of missing out) and may attempt to join in, which can disrupt the mood. More concerningly, other dogs might become distressed by sounds made during intimacy, potentially interpreting them as aggression toward their owners. In such cases, it's unfair to subject the dog to that environment.
Levine recommends providing dogs with a treat or toy to keep them occupied, either in the same room or a separate space, during intimate moments. This simple distraction can help ensure both human and canine comfort.
Addressing Other Canine Behaviors
The podcast also explored a listener's question about a newly adopted dog licking an older dog's penis. Levine explained that this behavior can stem from attraction to odors or tastes in the genital area. While occasional licking may not be problematic, owners should monitor for signs of infection, such as yeast issues, that could make the area more appealing. If the behavior is frequent or prolonged, it could lead to infections in the dog being licked.
Broader Behavioral Discussions
Beyond intimacy-related topics, the episode covered other key aspects of dog behavior, including:
- Strategies to reduce unwanted barking
- Reasons for increased aggression in aging dogs
- Safety tips for interactions between dogs and children
Listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode for comprehensive advice on these and other pet care issues. The podcast's third season offers additional episodes on topics like managing credit card debt, online dating, anxiety relief, and fitness tips, providing a wealth of practical guidance for everyday challenges.
