[Kitchen Cottage]

Mistys puppy Tilly is now 5 and a half months old.  She is adorable In the last couple of weeks Misty's grooming of her has intensified (she still grooms and protects Tilly and doesn't eat until Tilly has finished) but she is started to mount her and, well without being indelicate, hump her.

Misty has silent seasons but I don't think she is in season and I don't think Tilly is because neither of my male (neutered!) blind dogs are paying either of them any attention.

I am assuming this is some sort of normal behaviour but..... I've never had a puppy before! I have always had adult rescues. 

Any thoughts (other than "ooooooh Missus" ) would be gratefully received

[Clarebelle]

 We have a 7 yo female retriever and got a female collie pup last year. They get on really well but occasionally our retriever will hump the pup, usually during a game of wrestling. We have put it down to a dominance thing, there's never any aggression involved.

[Caroline1]

I think it is an act of dominance, the puppy is getting to an age where they could start challenging who is the leader and the bitch is just reminding her of her place.

I wouldn't worry unless it starts becoming aggressive.

[Kitchen Cottage]

Misty cleans Tilly, mounts her while cleaning and then has a little hump before getting off her.  Misty is very devoted to Tilly, any other dog who displays any aggression towards Tilly has Misty to deal with (and Misty is a very placid dog normally).  She has not demonstrated any aggression towards Tilly

[doganjo]

Yes, probably domination but just keep an eye on them - don't let it get out of hand.

[Dave C]

My bitches sometimes do it to each other upto 2 months before coming into season.
Your pup could come into season anytime from 6 months so mam could be sensing hormonal changes going on and as the pup develops she may want to keep dominance.