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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