How to Tackle a Dog That Urinates Submissively or When Excited

Submissive or excited urination in dogs can be distressing for both pets and their owners. While often behavioural, it’s important to first ensure your dog’s health is not at risk by consulting your vet. This guide will provide gentle, effective strategies to help you manage and reduce these episodes.

Understanding and Identifying the Problem

Urination when a dog feels excited or submissive is usually linked to emotional states rather than medical causes. Puppies often outgrow excited urination, but some adult dogs may continue to exhibit the behaviour due to anxiety or lack of confidence. Submissive urination typically occurs when your dog feels threatened or overwhelmed by body language that seems dominant or intimidating.

Signs of excited urination include tail wagging, happy jumping, and general liveliness at greetings or play. Conversely, submissive urination is often accompanied by cowering, tucked tails, avoiding eye contact, and flattening the ears.

Step 1: Consult Your Vet to Rule Out Medical Issues

Before addressing behaviour, your dog should be checked by a vet to rule out urinary tract infections, bladder issues, or incontinence—particularly if the urination is sudden or changes in nature. Health issues can mimic behavioural urination and must be treated appropriately.

Step 2: Avoid Punishment and Approach Calmly

Never scold or physically reprimand your dog for urinating submissively or excitedly. Punishment increases anxiety and makes the problem worse. When approaching or greeting your dog, use a calm, relaxed posture:

• Avoid direct eye contact as this can be seen as challenging.
• Don’t bend over or tower above your dog; instead, crouch down slightly or turn sideways.
• Keep greetings low key to avoid overexciting your dog.

Step 3: Teach Polite Greetings and Basic Commands

Teaching your dog to sit and wait during greetings helps them control excitement. Use positive reinforcement such as treats and praise when they remain calm. This creates a clear expectation of polite behaviour and encourages bladder control during stimulating situations.

Step 4: Redirect Your Dog’s Attention

If you notice signs your dog is about to urinate, try redirecting their focus. Tossing a toy or treat encourages a controlled response and distracts from the excitement or submissive feelings. Gradual desensitisation to triggers like visitors or playtime can be effective over time.

Step 5: Establish a Consistent Toilet Routine

Give your dog frequent opportunities to relieve themselves, especially before situations that may trigger excitement or submission. Create and stick to a daily routine for feeding and toileting, so your dog can anticipate when they will be let out. Praising the dog for toileting outside reinforces good habits.

Step 6: Use Appropriate Cleaning Agents

Clean any accidents thoroughly with enzyme-based cleaners that eliminate urine odours to prevent your dog from repeatedly soiling the same spot. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners as their smell can mimic urine and encourage marking.

Step 7: Build Confidence Through Socialisation and Training

Submissive urination often links to low confidence or fear. Support your dog by:

• Using gentle, reward-based training to build obedience and trust.
• Slowly introducing your dog to new environments, people, and pets under controlled conditions.
• Consider enrolling in a local obedience class or consulting a professional trainer specialising in canine behaviour.

This confidence-building approach helps reduce anxiety-driven urination over time.

Additional Tips for Puppy Owners

Excited urination is particularly common in puppies and young dogs. Patience is key, and you should never punish accidents. Redirecting their excitement and reinforcing calm behaviour helps puppies develop control as they mature.

Limit high-energy greetings indoors and encourage calm playtime outside. Puppy-proof areas for accidents and maintain a reinforced toilet training routine.

Conclusion

Managing a dog that urinates submissively or when excited requires patience, consistency, and kindness. By avoiding punishment, teaching polite greetings, redirecting attention, and building confidence through positive training and socialisation, you can help your dog feel secure and reduce unwanted urination. Vet checks and a steady toileting schedule further support their wellbeing.

If you are considering getting a new dog or puppy, always look for reputable breeders or consider adopting from shelters to promote responsible pet ownership.