Understanding and Tackling Dog Submissive Urination
Have you ever experienced your dog suddenly urinating when greeting you, during an exciting playtime, or when corrected? This behavior is known as submissive urination and can understandably be frustrating for dog owners and dog breeders. However, it’s important to understand that this action is involuntary and may have a variety of causes. We will discuss the causes of submissive urination and the steps you can take to help your canine companion overcome this behavior.
Identifying the Cause of Submissive Urination
Submissive urination is not necessarily a sign that your dog is ill or improperly housebroken. It can be a natural way for some dogs to communicate their submission to their owner or another dominant figure. The behavior often occurs more frequently in puppies and timid adult dogs, and while most dogs grow out of it as they mature, some may continue with this behavior into adulthood.
Common situations that trigger submissive urination include greetings, petting, scolding, a sudden change in an owner’s tone of voice, or an unexpected touch. Recognizing and understanding these triggers is the first step to addressing the issue.
Building Your Dog’s Confidence
One of the primary reasons for submissive urination is a lack of confidence. Boosting your dog’s self-esteem can go a long way in resolving this behavior. Begin by reinforcing positive behaviors like sitting, or upright positions, and staying with rewards like treats and praise.
Changing Your Interaction Style
Modifying your approach in specific situations can help prevent submissive urination. When greeting your dog, avoid making direct eye contact or standing over them. Instead, keep your posture relaxed, allow the dog to approach of their own volition, avoid reaching over the dog’s head. When offering pets, scratch under the chin or on the chest.
Desensitization
Desensitizing your dog to the triggers that cause submissive urination can significantly improve their response. Start by identifying a trigger (e.g., being touched) and creating a gradual exposure plan. For example, begin by gently touching the dog’s shoulders and providing a treat, then gradually moving towards more sensitive areas over time.
Practice counter conditioning, this involves pairing a trigger with something your dog loves – like a favorite treat or toy. This approach gradually changes your dog’s emotional response to the trigger itself, making them less likely to demonstrate submissive urination.
Seeking Professional Help
If your dog continues to struggle with submissive urination despite your best efforts, it may be a good idea to get professional dog training or a veterinary behaviorist. These experts can offer personalized guidance and support, helping you address the root causes of the issue and developing a tailored behavior modification plan.
