Submissive Behavior in Dogs


Curbing Submissive Urination

Introduction

Dogs normally express their submissiveness to other dogs through certain behavior. This can include rolling over, exposing the tummy, and submissive urination. Submissive urination is very much a normal part of a dog's behavior, especially when encountering a dominant animal. It is often the result of both submission and excitement.

Curbing Submissive Urination

Correction of this problem involves controlling both excitement and submission. Many dogs that urinate submissively usually do so when they meet someone new or when the owner arrives home. To control the excitement factor, owners and visitors should make their arrivals less of an "event". Keep greetings subdued and with a minimum of excitement. Most importantly, have your pet come to you rather than the other way around. It is important that your dog approach you and any visitors that come to the house. This gives control of the situation to your dog. Never scold or punish submissive urination behavior since this will only serve to exacerbate the problem.

When your dog approaches, crouch down to meet her, extend your hand slowly but do not make eye contact (staring is a form of dominance). If your dog appears to start crouching, rolling over, or starts to urinate, immediately back off. Above all, be patient and persistent.

To instill greater self confidence in your dog, continue with a regular obedience-training program. This should also include reinforcing house-training so that good behavior (i.e. urinating outside) is rewarded, and bad behavior (i.e. urinating indoors) is ignored.

Next

Previous


Still Have Questions?


This information is not intended to replace the advice of a veterinarian. PetWave disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. For more information view our Terms of Service.
PetWave Member Features

Don't have an account? Sign up here!

Create Human Profile Sign Up for Pet Monitoring Create Pet Profiles Chat with other members