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Do Dogs Know When You’re Having Intercourse? Facts & Explanation

Written by: Ashley Bates

Last Updated on September 6, 2024 by Dogster Team

owner playing with jack russell terrier dog at home

Do Dogs Know When You’re Having Intercourse? Facts & Explanation

VET APPROVED

Dr. Paola Cuevas Photo

REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY

Dr. Paola Cuevas

Veterinarian, MVZ

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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We all want privacy in our most intimate moments. But it seems that every time we get a little frisky with a partner, watching eyes peer in from the doorway.

What exactly is it about taking time for a bit of hanky panky that really draws the attention of our canine friends? It seems that dogs can have very different reactions to things like this, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.

If you’re asking yourself, “Why does my dog watch me have sex?”, in this article, we’re going to just explore some possibilities as to what your pet could be thinking when they observe you sowing your wild oats.

Dogster_Website dividers_v1_Jan 18 2024-01-TEST

Dogs Are Terrific With Senses

We all know that our dogs have an impeccable sense of smell. They are much better than we humans at using their senses.

So, when it’s time for some special connection between you and your love, your dog might be smelling all sorts of hormones and pheromones and everything in between. Your body can be sending out a lot of signals into the room, and your dog is picking up on the chemistry.

Because they might not understand what’s happening, it can really draw their attention. They will definitely know something is happening, though they might not know exactly what. For some dogs, this can cause confusion, aggravation, or curiosity.

Jack Russell Terrier curling up to bed
Image by: vk_st, Shutterstock

Emotional and Physical Shifts Are Happening

There’s very clearly some hot and heavy energy in the air that wasn’t there before. Dogs are well aware of your emotional state. So, when your focus shifts or they’re sensing a change in your behavior, they might need to observe you to try to make sense of why you might be experiencing it.

Because there’s another person involved, they can clearly tell that it relates to the connection between the two of you, but they might not understand the intention. Even though dogs are creatures of instinct and habit, our sex lives differ very much from those of our animal friends.

They will not understand the need for personal space and will simply want to be a part of the activities. Also, with the way that things can move around during this time, it might look a lot like playtime to them. Ultimately, each dog will respond to the changes differently.

Some Dogs Might Worry

With all the hustle and bustle, it might really cause anxiety in some dogs. If you have a particularly anxious pup or one that’s very attached to you, they might worry about your safety or feel like you are in trouble.

If you have a dog that is more anxious and dependent on you, they might start exhibiting signs of anxiety like whining, pacing, nudging, and vocalizing. For dogs that exhibit this kind of behavior, it’s often best that you relocate them to another room until you’re finished.

Cautious female dog lying in bed
Image by: MDV Edwards, Shutterstock

Dogs Might Not Have the Concept of Privacy

Last time our dogs checked, they’re a part of everything in our lives. Why would this be any different? If you have a particularly nosy pup, they probably just want to be a part of whatever exciting activity is happening.

They don’t care what it is, and they don’t care why everybody’s excited, they just want to join in on the fun. Little do they know, it’s just not the kind of fun that includes them. Because they don’t understand this, they will have no concept of personal boundaries and might try to get all up in your business while you’re doing your thing.

Dog peeking through the door
Image by: Nina Buday, Shutterstock

Dogs Can Get Protective of Owners

If you have a dog that is protective of you, you might notice them running to your defense when they think you’re in trouble. If you’re engaging in a little private time with your lover, the dog might mistake acts of passion for acts of violence.

Getting very concerned, they might start acting in an aggressive or dominant fashion to assert themselves over the situation. After all, if you are in trouble, they will be your first line of defense. It can be very difficult, if not impossible, to reassure these types of dogs that you’re okay. You might have to make other accommodations to prevent triggering this protective instinct in your particular dog.

Cute dog resting head on the bed
Image by: Vyaseleva Elena, Shutterstock

Is It Cruel to Lock Your Doggy Out?

So, your dog is certainly interrupting your private time, but you’re worried a little bit about being mean. After all, they’re just observing to the best of their ability.

But most people don’t really enjoy an audience while they get busy, so we understand your frustration. You might wonder if it is cruel to lock a dog out of your room, and we have to say no! Everyone deserves privacy, even away from our best buddies.

However, there is a certain way you should do this. Instead of starting the act and then waiting until your dog is worked up, set them up in another location before it ever happens. That way, they have no concept of what’s going on at all and think everything is normal around the house.

If you wait until they’ve already caught on to something happening, they might vocalize the entire time or exhibit other anxious issues related to separation anxiety or protective instincts. This can result in damage to your home and other unnecessary nonsense.

If you have a particularly aggressive dog, you should learn very early to make sure you always separate them from the act, so they don’t feel compelled to respond.

Labrador Retriever with heart-shaped balloon waiting at the door
Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock

Dogster_Website dividers_v1_Jan 18 2024-01-TESTConclusion

Now you understand a bit more about how your dog understands intercourse. The reality is, we don’t know exactly what a dog is thinking about, but their behavior can tell us a lot about their comfort level.

Regardless of if your dog is feeling anxious, scared, protective, or curious, you don’t have to share your bedroom time with them. It is perfectly acceptable to put your dog out of your room so you can experience intimacy privately.


Featured Image Credit: Pereslavtseva Katerina, Shutterstock

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