Why is she suddenly humping me?

[Autumnismyfavouritetimeofyear]

I adopted a dog just over a year ago, and she is a sweetheart - a little pug who came from a home where she was mistreated. She is great, I have introduced her to walks, going places, my parents dogs and cats who she gets on great with - in short, she seems to be really happy and from having a lot of skin problems, she is in great shape - very shiny coat now!

BUT - in the last month she has started humping me. It started during a thunder storm when we were around another dog that was scared. Their owner was quieting them and suddenly my girl was grabbing my arm, holding in for dear life and humping me. I pushed her off and held her in place because I thought it was a fright reaction and she needed reassurance. She quieted down quickly and went to sleep next to me on the sofa, where she spends a fair amount of time.

Since then, she has been trying to hump my arm more regularly. She gets this funny look on her face when she is going to try and she will often start licking my hand or arm first too.

Any ideas why this is happening now?

Sounds like an anxiety reaction. Humping is often about adrenaline/ excitement and rarely sexual unless an unneutered dog or bitch.

For some reason she has decided comfort/ safety lies in humping your arm (!). You could try redirecting her to a safe object like a cushion or something and praising her to the high heavens when she complies. Otherwise just shake her off and when she stops humping, then praise, treat and stroke etc.

Yes, I dont think it is sexual (although the licking before seems a little foreplay-ish)! Seriously though, I am guessing it is anxiety or excitement. But tonight she had a good walk, a good dinner and had been snoozing next to me on the sofa- she is a real velcro dog, likes to be near me all the time. And when she woke up she kind of hung out for a while, and then boom - got the look. I have been holding her off me, but talking her until she calms down. She is fearless - does not seem anxious about anything so its hard to see her being anxious in the moment. But maybe I need to find some stimulating activities for her apart from our walks so she gets to channel excitement feelings. She does not really get what toys are, but perhaps we can keep trying some more games. thank you.