Has your dog ever greeted you with such enthusiasm that they left a puddle behind? Or perhaps shrunk back, leaving a tiny bit of pee on the floor? These behaviors, known as excitement and submissive peeing, are fairly common in dogs. While these behaviors might be a bit frustrating for pet parents, understanding what they mean and how to manage them can significantly improve your relationship with your dog. It not only helps you empathize with your dog's emotional state but also guides you towards the right approach to mitigate these behaviors.
Excitement Peeing
Causes: Excitement peeing is often linked to a surge of emotion in your furry friend. Dogs can sometimes get so thrilled about something — like you returning home or meeting a new friend — that they may lose control of their bladder. This is more common in young pups that may not yet have full bladder control, but it can sometimes occur in adult dogs too.
Signs: To predict when your dog is likely to pee out of excitement, you’ll need to note both the environmental context and the physical signs. Physically, your dog might be wagging their tail enthusiastically, jumping around, or displaying an overall hyperactive behavior. Remember, they're not necessarily squatting or lifting their leg like they would for a regular pee. It often happens mid-stride or while they're still bouncing about.
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Submissive Peeing
Causes: Submissive urination, on the other hand, is more about signaling deference or appeasement to what the dog perceives as a more dominant individual or a threatening situation. This behavior can be triggered by various factors, such as direct eye contact, a forward posture, a deep and loud voice, or fast movements. It's common in dogs of all ages, particularly those with shy personalities, a history of punishment, or those that have had traumatic early experiences.
Signs: Submissive peeing can often be identified by the dog's body language. Dogs might display submissive signals such as hanging their head down or to the side, exposing their belly, rolling onto their back, or lying flat on their back. This behavior often occurs in response to situations that make them feel threatened or uncomfortable. Look for signs of flattened ears, avoiding eye contact, and tucking the tail.
In both excitement and submissive peeing, it's essential to remember that your dog isn't doing this on purpose or to upset you. It's an involuntary response tied to their emotions, and with patience, understanding, and appropriate training, it can be effectively managed.
How to Distinguish Between Excitement and Submissive Peeing
You’ll need to distinguish between excitement and submission peeing before you can address the underlying issue. This is important because the strategies used to address these behaviors differ.
Understanding Your Dog's Behavior and Triggers
Firstly, pay close attention to when and where your dog tends to urinate. Excitement peeing often occurs during high-energy moments, such as when you come home, during playtime, or when meeting new people or pets. Submissive peeing, conversely, usually happens during interactions that your dog perceives as intimidating or threatening, such as scolding, loud noises, or meeting unfamiliar or assertive dogs.
Noting the Different Signs for Each
An excited dog is typically energetic, jumping, barking, or wagging their tail intensely. Their body posture is generally relaxed or forward-leaning. In contrast, a dog that's urinating due to submission will often display signs of submission or fear like avoiding eye contact, flattening their ears against their head, tucking their tail, or even licking or pawing at the person or dog they're interacting with.
Managing Excitement and Submissive Peeing
These behaviors, though frustrating, are not acts of disobedience—they’re emotional responses. With understanding, you can delve into strategies to manage and curb these behaviors.
Managing Excitement Peeing
Frequent Walks: Ensure your dog gets ample opportunities to empty their bladder in appropriate places. Taking your dog for frequent walks, especially around times of excitement, can minimize indoor accidents.
Teaching Relaxation: Training programs, like Dr. Karen Overall’s Protocol for Relaxation, can teach your dog to stay calm amid various activities and noises.
Ignoring Excitement: One of the best ways to deal with an overly excited dog is not to engage until they've calmed down, teaching them that calm behavior gets attention, not excited behavior.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Keep your dog physically active and mentally stimulated to reduce their level of excitement. Activities such as playing fetch, agility training, or runs can help.
Managing Submissive Peeing
Adjusting Your Approach: Approach them in a non-threatening manner, like sitting on the ground and avoiding direct eye contact. This prevents the dog from feeling someone is "hovering" over them.
Desensitizing to Triggers: This involves identifying actions that make your dog feel threatened and gradually exposing them to these actions in a controlled, positive way.
While it might be frustrating to deal with frequent excitement peeing, avoid punishment-based training methods. Rubbing your dog's face in their mess or yelling can add fear to your dog's behavior and potentially damage your bond. Opt for positive reinforcement techniques that correct the situation while strengthening your relationship. Dogs learn best when rewarded for good behavior, not when scolded for unwanted behavior. Patience and understanding are vital during this process.
The Role of Professional Help
Even with an understanding of your dog's behaviors and methods to manage excitement and submissive peeing, sometimes professional assistance is required. Consider consulting a behavior professional if you've tried the techniques mentioned and see no improvement, or if your dog's behavior is causing significant stress. Seek professional help if your dog's behavior changes suddenly or they display signs like aggression, excessive fear, or symptoms of illness like frequent urination, blood in urine, or changes in appetite or energy levels. These could hint at a medical issue.
A professional dog behaviorist or certified trainer can provide knowledge and experience. They can observe your dog's behavior and give you a nuanced understanding of why your dog might be exhibiting these behaviors. They can also design a personalized training program that addresses your dog's needs, triggers, and learning style. If a medical issue is suspected, a veterinarian can conduct necessary examinations and tests to diagnose and treat it.
Seeking professional help doesn't mean you've failed as a pet owner. It shows your commitment to providing the best care for your furry friend. As we wrap up this discussion, understanding the causes, recognizing the signs, and knowing how to respond appropriately are crucial steps to manage these behaviors effectively.
Wrapping up
Navigating the world of dog behaviors, especially those like excitement and submissive peeing, can be a challenging task. However, understanding the causes, recognizing the signs, and knowing how to respond appropriately are crucial steps to manage these behaviors effectively.
