How to Help a Dog With Submissive Urination

Submissive urination is a very common behavior problem with dogs. The important part of helping a dog that has this problem is understanding the problem from your dog's point of view. Once you have a grasp of why your dog is doing this behavior--you can take the steps to fix this problem. Here is how to get started.

Things You'll Need

• Patience
• Friends that can help you

Instructions

1. We tend to see submissive urination more in some breeds than others--for instance, Cocker Spaniels are known for this problem. The most important thing to remember is to never punish a dog for submissive peeing. Punishment will only make the behavior worse.

2. Most dogs will submissive urinate when company comes over and when they get excited. Body posture has a lot to do with it. When you are standing over your dog, this is often enough to intimidate your dog. A dog will release urine to communicate that they are not dominant.

3. When we are standing over a submissive dog they will give us signs that they are submissive and that they are not going to challenge us. In order to help a dog like this, you need to pay attention to your body language. You have to greet your dog on his level.

4. Most dogs will submissive urinate when you come home. Make sure that your greetings are very low-key and don't get your dog excited. It is a good idea to walk right past your dog when you first come home. Once your dog has settled a little, you can bend down and greet your dog. Try to greet without towering over your dog.

5. Have friends and family do the same. You can also put your dog in another room when guests come over. Once your guests are in the house and sitting in chairs, your dog can come out and greet them. Once sitting, they are in a neutral position that will not trigger submissive urination.

6. Do a lot of positive training with your dog. Training will develop the bond and give your dog confidence. As your dog becomes more stable, the submissive urination will become less frequent.

7. Above all, be patient. Submissive urination will not go away overnight. It will take some time and effort for your dog to overcome this problem. If you follow the steps and do the training you will see results.

Tips & Warnings

• Train in short 10-minute sessions.

• Learn more about dog training in Resources below.

• Use treats your dog really loves.

• Be patient.

• Never train when you are tired or stressed.

• Be patient.

• Never punish a dog for submissive urination.

Resources

• FREE Dog Training Videos, Articles and Advice