Can dogs feel a mating bond?

Bella and Bubby were originally chosen to be “mates,” although we recently sent Bubby to the vet and he emerged a new man (or better said less of a man). The drama began pre-neuter, however. Even before they matured Bella and Bubby played the alpha dog domination game. This started when Bella was six months old and Bubby was four (about three months ago).

Bubby initiated this “game,” and usually initiated every time except for a few times when Bella tried to dominate him (from what I’ve seen). I am guessing that dogs have a sense of ownership with other dogs they dominate, maybe somewhat like the bond that “mating” humans often feel. The reason why I think this is because of the drama that ensued. The rest is a true lesson in dog mating bonds.

For a while Bubby mounted Bella periodically. When Bella tried to mount Bubby he shrugged her off and immediately mounted her. I found it quite hilarious. It was like Bubby thought, “What is she doing? That’s my job.” I was surprised at Bella’s behavior while she “mounted” him. Her actions looked like she was seeking pleasure, not just the act of domination.

The situation only got funnier when I saw Bella one day “mounting” a pillow. I will admit I feel strange writing like this, but hey, they’re dogs, right? Its what they do. Bella would huff and puff and then prance around quite proud, looking very happy with herself.

Bella’s Extramarital Affair

Bella eventually found a stuffed animal to replace the pillow. The stuffed animal is a dog that is Bella’s size that I bought when she was a tiny puppy to keep her company while we were at work. We think of the stuffed dog as Bella’s “boyfriend,” because she seems to think that he is. Bella lovingly licks his nose and face amidst doing her “business.” She adjusts and readjusts the stuffed animal’s position. It is sooo funny.

The next part is the drama-Bubby seems to feel a little jealous of the stuffed dog. He occasionally growls when he sees it. Bubby also bites the stuffed animal and shakes his head with the stuffed animal in his teeth as if trying to rip the flesh from its body. Bubby also stares when Bella is engaged in play with the stuffed animal. But if Bubby comes near Bella and the stuffed animal Bella growls at Bubby- and not just any growl but her meanest “kill” growl. I call it a kill growl because she only uses it when she means business, and its a very scary growl!