Submissive Urination in Puppies

Dogs establish relationships within their pack through a hierarchical system. Even amongst humans, a dog will view its human as its pack leader. Communication occurs through verbal and postural cues. However, submissive urination can become a final display of submission in dogs, according to the Hill Top Animal Hospital. While submissive urination can occur in a dog of any age, puppies display this behavior more often. Though frustrating for you, encouraging your puppy with positive reinforcement can help it learn to overcome this behavioral hurdle.

  1. Causes

    • Puppies will give you warnings before urinating.

      If your puppy becomes frightened or intimidated, it can urinate. Moving suddenly towards your puppy as you tower over it, will also make your puppy become fearful. Other causes for submissive urination include direct eye contact, inviting unknown people into your home or scolding your puppy for bad behavior. Prior to urinating, your puppy will exhibit signs of submission, such as flattening its ears, rolling on its back or lowering its body to the ground.

    Avoiding Stimuli

    • By avoiding situations that can cause your puppy to urinate, you can help prevent submissive urination. For example, when approaching your puppy, you should kneel at its side, suggests Pet Education. Approaching your dog while avoiding eye contact and using a soothing voice can help you seem less threatening as well.

    Treatment

    • Your puppy may need a boost in confidence.

      While most puppies will outgrow this behavior, some may need anti-anxiety medications to help curb the wetting. You can also manage your dog's urination with behavioral techniques. Greet your puppy outside with a treat after coming home. Keep the moment calm by petting your dog under its chin, not on its head, suggests the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Avoid punishing your dog when it does engage in submissive urination, as this can make its condition worse. Even making remarks or frowning at your puppy for having an accident can damage its confidence in you. Enrolling your dog in obedience class will help bolster its confidence and feel less fearful.

    Possible Medical Conditions

    • Make sure that your puppy is okay.

      If your puppy continues to have urination issues or the problem becomes progressively worse, consult with your veterinarian to rule out potential medical conditions. Changes in your puppy's diet or a urinary tract infection can result in inappropriate urination. Urinary incontinence can also cause wetting. However, urinary incontinence occurs without your puppy's knowledge and your puppy may also urinate in its sleep.