Submissive urination is a very normal behavior in dogs. It is the ultimate form of submission to what they believe to be a danger to them. If a person comes in contact with a dog and the dog shows signs of submission, such as peeing and laying his ears back, the dog is signaling that he is giving up in hopes the person will not touch or hurt him. Even when that person tries to calm the dog by petting them, they are actually causing more distress.
-
Identifying the Source of the Problem
-
Since an owner should never punish a dog for submissive urination, it is important to find an appropriate way to stop the behavior. The first thing you should do is identify the stimuli that is leading to your dog peeing. If the dog begins this behavior every time a new person enters the house, then you have found your source. Another common reason for submissive urination is any encounter with new dogs.
Changing Old Habits
-
Now that you have the cause of submissive urination, you can begin to find a solution to your problem. Since you are having a problem with peeing every time this particular stimuli occurs, it is important to change the events surrounding it. For example, if new people make your dog nervous, don't let them rush up to your dog the first time they meet. Instead the person should let the dog come to them when he is comfortable and ready. The same is true for new dogs. Keep your dog away from bigger dogs until you can get your dog properly socialized with other animals.
Positive Reinforcement
-
Another option to end the submissive peeing is to offer a positive reinforcement every time the stimuli that causes the peeing occurs. For example, have new visitors give the dog a treat when they are introduced to the canine. By repeating this action, the dog will begin to associate visitors with delicious treats. This association will eventually lead to the dog no longer feeling threatened.
-