Submissive urination is a condition occurring in dogs who are genetically shy and sensitive to any form of dominant behavior in their owners, according to the Upper Valley Humane Society in Enfield, N.H. It is most commonly displayed when the dog is overly excited, becomes frightened due to loud noises such as arguing in the home, when he is scolded for bad behavior or when visitors come to the home. While this behavior can be stopped, it takes patience and love on the part of the owner.
Step 1
Be a friend to your dog. One of the biggest reasons your dog displays submissive urination is because he is showing you that he understands you are the dominant one; he is displaying his understanding of your power and control over him. The Dog 4 Life website suggests being a friend to your dog rather than his boss. While he needs to listen and obey, these commands need to be delivered with love in your voice, not harshness.
Step 2
Reduce the excitement when you first arrive home. Excitement upon your arrival home is another reason for this pooch problem. Your dog undoubtedly missed you while you were gone and is trying to show you that she is happy, yet once again submitting to you. In her excitement, she urinates. To prevent this, the Upper Valley Humane Society (UVHS) suggests greeting her in a warm voice while waiting about 10 minutes to pet her. Doing this reduces the initial excitement, thus decreasing the chances that she will perform submissive urination.
Step 3
Lower yourself to her level. Lowering yourself to your dog's level when you do decide it's time to greet her lets your dog know that there is no reason to fear you; it takes the dominance factor out of the situation. When hovering over her, she feels the need to submit to you. When you bend at the knees and become face level with her, she feels more comfortable with you.
Step 4
Speak in a positive tone to her. Stopping your dog's submissive urination will take time. When it occurs, correct her with your voice, avoiding eye contact with her. Keeping a positive note in your voice, tell her it's time to go outside.
When she urinates outside, reward her both with a loving tone and a healthy dog treat, such as a dog biscuit. Positive reinforcement from you is what she is looking for.
Step 5
Ask your visitors to ignore your dog. For some people, this may seem cruel; however, for dogs who suffer from submissive urination, it is one way to help stop the problem. Visitors are another type of excitement for your dog; therefore when they arrive, request that they walk past her even as she sniffs them and attempts to get their attention.
After a short while, they can then extend their hands and speak to your dog without looking at her, according to the UVHS. These actions allow your guests to give your dog attention without getting her overly excited.
Step 6
Enroll her in a dog-training class. Dog 4 Life suggests joining a dog-training class. These classes help teach your dogs basic skills and behaviors such as sit, fetch and come, which earn her positive reinforcement as she learns these skills. The Pet Place website states that a properly trained dog is typically a more confident dog.
Tips and Warnings
- Before beginning any of these techniques, take your dog to a veterinarian and have her examined. She may suffer from a medical condition that is causing this condition.
