How to handle submissive and excitement peeing in puppies and adult dogs

Hey there!
Dealing with peeing issues in dogs—whether it's submissive peeing or peeing out of excitement—can be tricky, but with the right approach, you can manage and reduce these behaviors effectively. Let’s break down how to address both submissive peeing and excitement peeing in dogs, so you can help your furry friend stay calm and dry.
First off: Understanding Submissive and Excitement Peeing
Submissive Peeing: This occurs when a dog urinates as a response to feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or submissive. It’s a natural reaction to situations where the dog feels they need to appease or show deference.
Excitement Peeing: This happens when a dog is overly excited or overstimulated. Puppies, in particular, may pee when they’re very happy or excited during playtime or when greeting people.
Strategies for Managing Submissive Peeing

1. Avoid Punishment: Never scold or punish your dog for submissive peeing. This only increases their anxiety and can make the behavior worse. Instead, focus on creating a positive, stress-free environment.
2. Maintain Calm and Relaxed Body Language: Interactions with your dog should be calm by using a gentle tone and relaxed body language. Avoid any movements or actions that might be perceived as threatening like bending over your dog where you almost are smothering your dog.
3. Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog for calm behavior and successful interactions. Reward food, praise, and calm affection can help build their confidence and reduce submissive reactions.
4. Manage Stressful Situations: Identify and manage situations that trigger submissive peeing. Gradual exposure in the form of desensitization to these triggers, paired with positive reinforcement, can help your dog feel more secure.
5. Seek Professional Help: If the behavior persists or is coupled with other issues, consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist for additional strategies and support.

Strategies for Managing Excitement Peeing

1. Control Excitement Levels: Try to manage the situations that lead to excitement peeing. For instance, when greeting your dog, keep your interactions calm and avoid overly enthusiastic behavior.
2. Teach Calm Greetings: Work on training your dog to greet people calmly. You can practice “sit-stay” commands before allowing interactions. Reward your dog for staying calm when meeting new people or during exciting situations. Also communicate this to other people who want to greet your dog and tell them exactly how you want your dog to be greeted. 
3. Reduce Over-Stimulation: If you notice your dog peeing out of excitement during play or when guests arrive, try to reduce the intensity of these situations by keeping your dog on a designated spot. Gradually increase the level of excitement while maintaining control.
4. Practice Impulse Control: Engage your dog in activities that build impulse control, such as obedience training. This can help them manage their excitement better.
5. Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog for calm behavior in exciting situations. Positive reinforcement helps reinforce the behavior you want to see and builds a strong association between calmness and rewards.
6. Provide Frequent Bathroom Breaks: Ensure your dog has plenty of opportunities to go outside to relieve themselves. Frequent potty breaks can help minimize the chances of accidents caused by excitement.

Special Considerations for Puppies and Adult Dogs

• Puppies: Puppies are naturally more prone to excitement peeing as they learn about their environment. Regular potty breaks, smart training, and positive reinforcement are key to managing this behavior.
• Adult Dogs: Adult dogs might have more ingrained patterns, but the same principles apply. Patience and consistency in training are essential, as well as addressing any underlying anxiety or stress through structured desensitization.

In summary, managing both submissive and excitement peeing involves understanding the root causes of the behavior and applying consistent, positive strategies to address them. By creating a controlled environment, using appropriate positive reinforcement, and managing excitement levels, you can help your dog feel more confident and reduce these peeing issues over time.
If you have any questions or want to share your experiences with peeing issues, feel free to send me an email.