Dogs, much like humans, communicate through a myriad of behavioral gestures, sounds, and body languages. One such behavior, often misunderstood by pet owners, is submissive urination. This isn’t your dog misbehaving or purposefully making a mess – it’s often a symptom of a different problem, and can be effectively managed with some effort. Learning more about this type of issue can help dog owners provide better care for their pup. Whether you’re an experienced dog breeder in Florida or a new dog-owning retiree in London, you may encounter this problem, regardless of your dog’s breed.
What is Submissive Urination?
Submissive urination occurs when a dog urinates as a result of anxiety, fear, excitement, or as an appeasing behavior during interactions with other dogs or humans. It’s primarily a dog’s way of demonstrating that they acknowledge the dominance or authority of the other party and do not pose a threat.
Common Triggers
Understanding the reasons or triggers is the first step in addressing submissive urination.
- Greeting Situations: Some dogs may urinate when they are greeted, especially if the greeting is overtly enthusiastic or intimidating.
- Scolding: A loud voice, stern look, or sudden approach can make the dog anxious and trigger submissive urination.
- Presence of Dominant Dogs: A submissive dog may urinate when approached by a more dominant dog, signaling their acceptance of the pecking order.
- Loud Noises and Sudden Movements: These can startle some dogs, prompting them to urinate submissively.
Age and Developmental Factors
Puppies are more prone to submissive urination because they haven’t yet developed full control over their bladder. As they grow and gain more confidence, many outgrow this behavior. However, if a young dog is continually reprimanded for submissive urination, it may reinforce the behavior and carry it into adulthood.
Health Implications
First and foremost, it’s important to distinguish between submissive urination and potential health issues. Medical problems can cause incontinence in dogs. Some conditions that can cause a dog to lose control over its bladder can include:
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): UTIs are common in dogs and can cause them to urinate more frequently.
- Bladder Stones: These are hard build-ups of minerals that form in the urinary bladder. They can cause discomfort and lead to increased frequency of urination or even blockage.
- Age-Related Incontinence: As dogs age, the muscles of the bladder can weaken, leading to decreased control. This is especially common in spayed female dogs and is often referred to as ‘hormone-responsive incontinence.’
- Kidney Disease: Reduced kidney function can lead to increased urine production and potential incontinence.
It’s vital to differentiate between behavioral causes of urination and potential health issues. If your dog suddenly starts showing signs of incontinence or if behavioral interventions don’t seem to be working, a visit to the veterinarian is in order.
Managing Submissive Urination
Here are some strategies to help mitigate and eventually eliminate submissive urination:
- Stay Calm and Predictable: When approaching or greeting your dog, maintain a calm demeanor. Avoid sudden movements or loud voices that may startle the dog.
- Reinforce Positive Behaviors: Reward your dog when they interact without urinating. Positive reinforcement, such as treats or gentle praise, can help the dog associate calm behavior with positive outcomes.
- Avoid Direct Eye Contact: Direct eye contact can be seen as a challenge or threat by dogs. When you approach a dog prone to submissive urination, avoid making direct eye contact and approach them from the side.
- Modify Greetings: If your dog tends to urinate when greeted, try modifying the way you greet them. For instance, greet them outside or in an area where urination won’t be a significant concern. Over time, they may associate greetings with this specific area and reduce the frequency of submissive urination in other areas.
- Socialization: Expose your dog to a variety of situations, people, and other animals. Doing so in a controlled and positive manner can help build their confidence and reduce their tendency to urinate submissively.
- Consult a Professional: If the behavior persists, it might be beneficial to seek the assistance of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist who can offer specific strategies tailored to your dog.
Final Thoughts
It’s essential to remember that submissive urination is a communication tool for dogs, not an act of defiance or spite. Approaching the situation with patience, understanding, and empathy will yield the best results. By creating a secure environment and reinforcing positive behaviors, many dogs can overcome this behavior, leading to a happier, more confident pet.
