Dear Cathy,
We have had a five-month-old mini-Australian Shepherd since she was nine-weeks-old. She has had a submissive peeing issue since day one. It seems like it’s only getting worse.  We try very hard not to speak to her in a loud voice or make direct eye contact with her for any period of time. It seems to happen most often when she stands up on our legs and we reach down to pet or talk to her. So now we are now ignoring her when she stands up on our legs. It also happens other times as well. Any advice would be appreciated.  – Anne J. 

Dear Anne,
Submissive urination in dogs can indeed be a tricky behavior to address, but with patience and the right approach, it can often be managed or even overcome. Here are some tips to consider:

1. Vet Check: First, ensure there are no underlying health issues contributing to the problem. A visit to the vet can rule out incontinence or urinary tract infections.

2. Non-Dominant Interactions: You’re on the right track by avoiding direct eye contact and not petting her when she stands up on your legs. Continue to avoid standing over her or reaching over her head. When you interact with her, try to get down to her level, which can make you appear less intimidating.

3. Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement to build her confidence. When she does something correctly, reward her with treats and praise. This helps her associate good behavior with positive outcomes.

4. Calm Environment: Maintaining a calm environment is crucial. Minimize loud noises, sudden movements, and overly enthusiastic greetings. When you come home, try to ignore her initially until she calms down, then greet her calmly.

5. Training and Commands: Engage in basic obedience training to build her confidence and establish a routine. Commands like “sit” and “stay” can be very beneficial. Always use a calm, assertive voice when giving commands.

6. Pheromones: Consider using pheromone collars or plug-ins. These can create a sense of security and calm for your dog, which can be useful in reducing anxiety.

7. Toys and Games: Focus on interactive toys that don’t involve direct human contact. Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, and fetch are good options. Avoid games like tug-of-war that can increase excitement and anxiety.

8. Patience and Consistency: Consistency is key. Stick to a routine and be patient. Submissive urination often improves as dogs mature and gain confidence.

9. Desensitization: Gradually desensitize your dog to triggers that cause submissive urination. If certain actions like reaching out to pet her trigger urination, practice these actions in a very calm and slow manner, rewarding her when she remains calm and does not urinate. Start with small, non-threatening gestures and slowly build up to more direct interactions as she becomes more comfortable.

10. Behavior Modification: If the issue persists, consider working with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist who specializes in submissive urination. They can provide tailored advice and techniques to help your dog overcome this behavior.

Remember, your dog’s behavior is not her fault, and with time, understanding, and the right techniques, she can learn to feel more secure and reduce her submissive urination.

Send your pet tips, stories and questions to cathy@petpundit.com. You can read her blog, Animals Matter, at http://blog.mysanantonio.com/animals/. Cathy is the author of several children’s books.

Originally appeared on CathyRosenthal.com | Canine submissive urination a tricky thing to fix