How to stop a dog from nervous peeing - Submissive urination

Understanding Submissive Urination in Dogs: How to Train Your Pup to Overcome It

Dog behavior is one of those things that can make you scratch your head in confusion or leave you laughing in disbelief. However, when a dog starts urinating in an unexpected situation, especially when they are not "house-trained," it can cause a lot of concern. Among the different types of urination issues that dogs face, submissive urination stands out as one that requires patience, understanding, and a little bit of humor. But don’t worry, it's a behavior that can be changed, and today, we’ll dive into what submissive urination is, why it happens, and how to help your dog overcome it.

What is Submissive Urination in Dogs?

Submissive urination is exactly what it sounds like—your dog pees in response to certain behaviors, usually driven by fear or submission. It often happens when the dog feels intimidated, shy, anxious, or even excited. This type of urination is especially common in puppies and young dogs who are still figuring out their place in the world. If you have a dog that pees when greeting people, during playtime, or when feeling scolded, you are likely dealing with submissive urination.

The signs are pretty distinct. Your dog may cower, lower its head, tuck its tail, or roll over to show its belly. All of this signals that your dog is trying to show it is not a threat and that it is submitting to authority—whether that authority is you or someone else. However, what’s crucial to understand is that submissive urination isn’t an act of defiance or disrespect. It’s simply a way for your dog to say, “I’m not a threat!”

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The Causes Behind Submissive Urination

So why do dogs urinate out of submission? Well, a lot of factors can trigger this behavior, and it often comes down to a dog’s fear, anxiety, or uncertainty in certain situations. Here's a breakdown:

• Fear of Dominance: If a dog feels threatened by loud voices, quick movements, or someone trying to assert dominance, they may urinate to show submission. This could happen if your dog has been punished in the past or has had negative experiences with certain individuals.
• Excitement or Overwhelm: Some dogs pee out of excitement when they see you after a long day or meet new people. While this may seem like an innocent “welcome home” gesture, it’s actually a sign that your dog is overwhelmed by emotion.
• Lack of Proper Training: If your dog hasn’t been taught when and where it’s appropriate to urinate, it may urinate in situations where it feels insecure, like during greetings or when it’s in trouble.

• Trauma or Stress: Dogs that have experienced traumatic events—such as being abandoned, abused, or living in a shelter—are more likely to exhibit submissive urination. It’s a coping mechanism, a way for the dog to try and avoid further discomfort.

The Difference Between Submissive Urination and Excitement Peeing

It’s important to differentiate between submissive urination and excitement urination. While both behaviors involve unexpected urination, the causes and treatment approaches are different. Excitement urination typically occurs when your dog is so happy that it can’t contain its emotions. Puppies are especially prone to this behavior, and often, they grow out of it as they mature. However, submissive urination is linked to fear and the desire to submit to authority or avoid a perceived threat.

Signs of Submissive Urination

Identifying the signs of submissive urination is key to understanding what your dog is going through. Here’s a checklist of behaviors you might notice:

• Cowering or crouching down when you approach.
• Rolling over onto their back to expose their belly.
• Tail tucked tightly between their legs.
• Ears flattened against their head.
• Avoiding eye contact.
• Urinating on the floor when greeting you or others.

If these behaviors are familiar, it's time to take action. Don’t just assume it’s an isolated incident—submissive urination is often a sign that your dog is feeling anxious or unsure, and this needs to be addressed.

Medical Causes: Are There Any Health Concerns?

Before jumping to conclusions about your dog’s behavior, it’s important to rule out any medical conditions that may be contributing to the issue. Some health problems can cause a dog to urinate more frequently or lose bladder control, including urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or kidney disease.

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So, if your dog’s submissive urination is paired with other health concerns like excessive thirst, lethargy, or a change in appetite, a visit to the vet is essential. Don’t ignore potential health issues, as they can exacerbate the behavior. A thorough check-up will ensure there’s nothing physically wrong.

How to Stop Submissive Urination in Dogs: Step-by-Step Training

Now, the million-dollar question: How do you stop submissive urination?

Here’s where the magic of positive reinforcement, patience, and consistency comes into play. Submissive urination can be trained out of your dog, but it requires a lot of calm, non-threatening interactions. Here’s how you can help:

1. Don’t Punish Your Dog for Peeing

If your dog pees submissively, do not scold or punish them. This will only increase their anxiety and make the problem worse. Your dog doesn’t pee out of spite—it’s simply an emotional reaction. Yelling at them will reinforce the fear that caused the behavior in the first place.

2. Build Your Dog’s Confidence

Your dog’s confidence plays a huge role in submissive urination. Dogs that are unsure of themselves or feel threatened are more likely to pee when they feel dominated or scared. You can help build your dog’s confidence by teaching them simple commands like sit, stay, and come using positive reinforcement (treats, praise, and gentle encouragement).

3. Keep Greetings Calm and Non-Threatening

One of the most common times for submissive urination is during greetings. If your dog tends to urinate when you come home, try to avoid overly excited greetings. When entering the house, calmly ignore your dog for a few moments, allowing them to calm down before giving them attention.

Ask your guests to do the same. Instead of leaning over your dog or reaching for them aggressively, ask them to crouch down at the dog’s level and approach slowly. This creates a less threatening environment for your dog.

4. Avoid Sudden Changes in Routine

Dogs, especially those with anxiety, don’t do well with sudden changes in routine. Keeping a consistent schedule for feeding, playing, and walking helps minimize stress. Sudden movements or loud noises can also trigger submissive urination, so try to keep things as calm and predictable as possible.

5. Gradual Introduction to New People and Environments

If your dog is fearful or anxious around new people or environments, gradually introduce them to new situations. This could mean allowing your dog to meet new people outside the home or using a crate to give them a safe space to retreat when things get overwhelming.

6. Reward Positive Behavior

Whenever your dog successfully refrains from submissive urination, be sure to reward them with treats or praise. This reinforces the idea that calm, non-submissive behavior is the right response. Over time, your dog will learn to associate being calm with positive rewards.

7. Avoiding Excessive Praise or Reactions

When your dog does urinate submissively, don’t make a big deal of it. Simply clean it up without showing anger or frustration. Your dog may start to associate peeing with getting attention, so avoid giving any reaction that might encourage the behavior.

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In Conclusion: Submissive Urination is a Trainable Behavior

Submissive urination in dogs is a common, yet entirely trainable, behavior that can be managed with patience and consistency. By understanding the causes—whether it’s fear, excitement, or anxiety—you can take the necessary steps to create a calm and confident dog. Remember, don’t punish your pup for urinating, but instead focus on positive reinforcement, a consistent routine, and a calm approach to greetings and interactions.

With time, your dog will learn that submissive urination isn’t needed anymore to navigate their world. Instead, they’ll walk with confidence, a wagging tail, and maybe even a proud little strut.

So, take a deep breath, and remember: every dog has their quirks, and with a little love and patience, you can help them overcome their fears. Happy training!

Thanks for your reading.