Canine submissive urination a tricky thing to fix

As Seen With - Cathy Rosenthal

Encourage Kindness to Animals!

Highly-acclaimed children's books for your child or organization

Canine submissive urination a tricky thing to fix

Dear Cathy,
              We have had a five-month-old mini-Australian Shepherd since she was nine weeks old. She has had a submissive peeing issue since day one. It seems like it’s only getting worse.  We try very hard not to speak to her in a loud voice or make direct eye contact with her for any period of time. It seems to happen most often when she stands up on our legs, and we reach down to pet or talk to her. So now we are now ignoring her when she stands up on our legs. It also happens other times as well. Any advice would be appreciated.  – Anne J.

Dear Anne,
              Submissive urination in dogs can indeed be a tricky behavior to address, but with patience and the right approach, it can often be managed or even overcome. Here are some tips to consider:
 
1. Vet Check: First, ensure there are no underlying health issues contributing to the problem. A visit to the vet can rule out incontinence or urinary tract infections.

2. Non-Dominant Interactions: You’re on the right track by avoiding direct eye contact and not petting her when she stands up on your legs. Continue to avoid standing over her or reaching over her head. When you interact with her, try to get down to her level, which can make you appear less intimidating.

3. Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement to build her confidence. When she does something correctly, reward her with treats and praise. This helps her associate good behavior with positive outcomes.

4. Calm Environment: Maintaining a calm environment is crucial. Minimize loud noises, sudden movements, and overly enthusiastic greetings. When you come home, try to ignore her initially until she calms down, then greet her calmly.

5. Training and Commands: Engage in basic obedience training to build her confidence and establish a routine. Commands like “sit” and “stay” can be very beneficial. Always use a calm, assertive voice when giving commands.

6. Pheromones: Consider using pheromone collars or plug-ins. These can create a sense of security and calm for your dog, which can be useful in reducing anxiety.

7. Toys and Games: Focus on interactive toys that don’t involve direct human contact. Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, and fetch are good options. Avoid games like tug-of-war that can increase excitement and anxiety.

8. Patience and Consistency: Consistency is key. Stick to a routine and be patient. Submissive urination often improves as dogs mature and gain confidence.

9. Desensitization: Gradually desensitize your dog to triggers that cause submissive urination. If certain actions like reaching out to pet her trigger urination, practice these actions in a very calm and slow manner, rewarding her when she remains calm and does not urinate. Start with small, non-threatening gestures and slowly build up to more direct interactions as she becomes more comfortable.

10. Behavior Modification: If the issue persists, consider working with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist who specializes in submissive urination. They can provide tailored advice and techniques to help your dog overcome this behavior.

Remember, your dog’s behavior is not her fault. With time, understanding, and the right techniques, she can learn to feel more secure and reduce her submissive urination.

With over 35 years of experience advocating for animals in animal welfare, Cathy Rosenthal is a seasoned expert dedicated to improving the lives of our furry friends. Explore her books and programs by visiting https://cathyrosenthal.com/petpunditpublishing/.

Credit: Cathy M. Rosenthal, The Pet Pundit

Nonprofit 501(c) Organizations Copy Usage Notice
Nonprofit 501(c) organizations ONLY are welcome to use these posts on their websites free of charge. Please credit the original article by including the following attribution and with a link to the original article.

For Example:
This article originally appeared on CathyRosenthal.com | Canine submissive urination a tricky thing to fix

Thank you for helping us spread the message of compassionate care and responsible pet ownership!

Was this article helpful? Share with others!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

A Cautionary Tale About Running Around Dogs

By Cathy M. Rosenthal Running around your dogs? Here’s a cautionary tale that shows why dogs should do all the […]

Outside of the Box Ways to Make Your Cat Happy

Dear Cathy, I adopted my first cat and am so excited. We bought litter boxes, toys, food, and such, but […]

Cold Weather and Pets: Keeping Them Safe During Severe Winter Conditions

By Cathy M. Rosenthal The nation is bracing for frigid temperatures and blizzard conditions, and protecting your pets during this […]
DSC_4602

Cathy Rosenthal (aka The Pet Pundit), CHES, CFE

Animal Welfare Communications Specialist

Cathy brings more than 35 years' experience in the animal welfare field. She is a sought-after speaker, Certified Humane Education Specialist, a syndicated pet advice columnist, an author, a publisher, and of course - a loving pet parent.
Read more about Cathy here or check out her Non-Profit's page to see more ways she can help you and your organization.

Scroll to Top