Dog Submissive Urination
Dog submissive urination affects dogs of any age or sex. However, it is most common in puppies
and female dogs. Submissive urination is the loss of bladder control due to being fearful and insecure.
A separate but closely related problem is the loss of bladder control when the dog is excited.
Dog submissive urination is not to be confused with a dog’s marking its territory. Marking
a territory is when a dog is announcing to the dog world that he is the master in this territory.
Marking is closely akin to dog dominance and aggressive behaviors. It could be said the two behaviors, alike
in final result, are complete opposites as far as the reason for the behavior.
Submissive Urination – Dog’s Body Language
A dog that urinates uncontrollably in a crouched posture with head down, ears pinned back
and tail between her legs is exhibiting the classic signs of submissive urination. Submissive urination
occurs, whenever a dog is scolded or is being newly introduced to someone.
The other instance is, because of anticipation over extended periods of loneliness, losing
bladder control when their owner returns home. The reasons for these problems are distinctly separate but the
method of correction is the same.
Dog Submissive Urination – Background
Instinctively dogs want to please their alpha dog leader. A dog that is submissively
urinating is in fear of her alpha dog leader. This psychological condition usually affects young puppies and
female dogs. Often the dog’s owner has severely reprimanded the dog. A dog may have been
physically struck during the reprimand. When the reason for the reprimand is not clearly communicated to the dog it
creates fear and confusion.
Dog Submissive Urination
Dog Submissive Urination – Correction Techniques
A dog that has been left alone for several hours is anxious for the return of its alpha dog
leader. Accompanied with this return is the fact that the dog has not had the opportunity over several hours
to empty her bladder. The return of the alpha leader is anxiously anticipated and at the same time
feared. These feeling accompanied with a full bladder cause the loss of bladder control.
You must not allow your return home to be a monumental event. Do not greet your dog
immediately upon returning home. You should not make eye contact with your dog at this time. This will
allow the submissive dog to adjust to your being home. When you do greet your dog make the greeting
subdued. Next you will need to provide your dog the opportunity to go outside for a period of time to
relieve herself and to fully accept your presence in the home.
A dog that is subject to submissive urination is fearful of its owner, its alpha leader.
Your movements need to be slow and communicated to your dog properly. In this
way your dog will not be surprised and will be given an opportunity to react. Your hand movements
should be with an open hand, palm up.
If a dog has ever been struck with a rolled magazine or newspaper these items must not be
used near the dog. Your communication with your dog is limited due to confinement of your language.
These language limitations create an understanding ambiguity and confusion for your dog. A confusion
accompanied with physical abuse creates uncontrollable fear.
Past memories can be erased over long periods of time if similar actions do not reoccur
periodically. It is common for shelter dogs to have a history of abuse. As the new owner you need to be
alert to actions that cause fear.
When you have been made aware of the action to avoid you must avoid that action around a
shelter dog. Over a period of time the submissive dog will replace the fear of its alpha dog leader with
respect. Submissive urination will resolve itself as the dog gains confidence.
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