If you’re a dog owner, you’ve probably experienced the embarrassment of your furry friend excitedly peeing on a guest’s shoe or leg when greeting them. Not only is it an unpleasant situation for both you and your guest, but it can also be a sign of underlying behavior issues that need to be addressed. In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons why dogs pee when greeting people and provide practical tips to help you stop this behavior. So, if you’re tired of constantly apologizing for your dog’s inappropriate bathroom habits, keep reading!

Introduction

As much as we love our furry companions, there are certain behaviors that can be frustrating, embarrassing, or even downright disgusting. One such behavior is peeing when greeting people. This can happen when your dog is overly excited, anxious, or trying to show submission. Regardless of the reason, it can make social situations awkward for both you and your dog. Fortunately, there are ways to stop this behavior. In this article, we will share some tips and techniques for preventing your dog from peeing when greeting people.

Understanding Submissive Peeing

Before we dive into the solutions, it’s important to understand what submissive peeing is and what it isn’t. Submissive peeing is not a puppy potty training issue. It is a behavior that can occur in dogs of any age, breed, or sex. It happens when a dog feels nervous, anxious, or intimidated by a person or situation. In this case, the dog will lower its body posture, tuck its tail, and urinate a small amount as a way to communicate submissiveness and avoid confrontation.

Submissive peeing is not the same as a regular accident or marking behavior. In the latter case, the dog will urinate to leave a scent and establish territory. With submissive peeing, the dog will typically urinate right after greeting or being approached by a person, especially a stranger or someone of authority.

Preventing Submissive Peeing

Now that we know what submissive peeing is and why it happens, let’s talk about how to stop it. Here are some tips and techniques you can try:

1. Manage your dog’s environment: If you know that your dog gets nervous or excited around new people, try to limit its exposure to such situations. For example, you can keep your dog in a separate room or a crate when guests come over, or you can take your dog for a walk or to a quiet park instead of a crowded street.

2. Train your dog to stay calm: One of the most effective ways to prevent submissive peeing is to train your dog to stay calm when meeting people. You can use positive reinforcement techniques to teach your dog to sit, stay, and wait for permission before approaching or greeting someone.

3. Avoid punishment or scolding: It’s important to avoid scolding or punishing your dog if it pees when greeting people. This will only increase its anxiety and make the behavior worse. Instead, try to remain calm and redirect your dog’s attention to a toy or treat.

4. Use pheromone sprays or diffusers: Pheromone sprays or diffusers can help calm your dog and reduce its stress levels in social situations. These products release a synthetic version of a calming scent that dogs naturally produce when they feel safe and secure.

5. Seek professional help: If your dog’s submissive peeing is severe or persistent, you may want to seek the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can provide personalized guidance and training to address the underlying causes of the behavior.

FAQ

1. How long does it take to stop submissive peeing in dogs?
   The time it takes to stop submissive peeing in dogs varies depending on the dog’s age, personality, and the severity of the behavior. It can take anywhere from a few days to a few months of consistent training and reinforcement.

2. Can spaying or neutering help with submissive peeing?
   Spaying or neutering your dog can help reduce its anxiety levels and prevent marking behavior but may not necessarily stop submissive peeing. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian regarding your dog’s overall health and behavior.

3. Can submissive peeing be a sign of a health problem?
   Submissive peeing is not typically a sign of a health problem. However, if your dog is experiencing excessive urination, difficulty urinating, or other unusual symptoms, you should consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical issues.

4. Can submissive peeing be corrected in older dogs?
   Yes, submissive peeing can be corrected in older dogs with consistent training and positive reinforcement techniques.

5. How can I prevent my dog from jumping on people when greeting them?
   To prevent your dog from jumping on people when greeting them, you can use similar training and reinforcement techniques as those used for submissive peeing. Teach your dog to sit, stay, and wait for permission before approaching or greeting someone. You can also use a leash or a treat to redirect your dog’s attention.