Why Do Some Male Dogs Squat to Pee?

For a male dog, peeing is a dual-function activity. He is simultaneously emptying his bladder and leaving a calling card for other dogs. The urine contains scent that your dog wants others to smell. Once a dog is sexually mature, he typically has the instinct to urinate at a height where other dogs are likely to pick up the scent. But if your dog squats to pee, there are various reasons why and it̵7;s not necessarily a cause for alarm.

  1. Age

    • Cocking the leg to pee is an informal ̶0;coming of age̶1; for many male dogs and is a sign that they are approaching sexual maturity. It̵7;s normal for a young male puppy to squat to pee until the pheromones in his urine tell him it's time to spread that scent far and high.

    Preference

    • Although cocking the leg is common, it̵7;s not universal and some dogs simply do not have the urge to do it. If a male dog never cocks his leg to pee, it̵7;s not a cause for concern at all. However, if your dog suddenly stops cocking his leg to pee and will only squat, then you should take him to the vet.

    Discomfort

    • As dogs get older, their joints can begin to ache a little, especially if they are suffering from arthritis. To pee high, they need to bear all of their weight on three legs. This can be very uncomfortable for a dog suffering with joint pain and he may simply decide it isn̵7;t worth the hassle. If your young male dog suddenly starts squatting instead of cocking, it may be that he has an injury that is causing the discomfort. If you̵7;re concerned about your dog̵7;s change in behavior, take him to the vet.

    Incontinence

    • The whole point of cocking is that the dog leaves his scent for other dogs, so it̵7;s natural for a dog to hold off until he finds a suitable tree or lamppost to splash his pee against. Incontinence, whether related to bladder disease, kidney disease or simple old age, can mean that a dog just doesn̵7;t have time to cock his leg. When he needs to go he needs to go and there̵7;s no time to wait to find that tree.