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What is Submissive Urination?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Submissive urination is a common behavior in animals who are accustomed to living in groups or packs. It is a way for lower-ranking animals to express submission and deference to higher-ranking animals. Humans most often come in contact with submissive urination in the context of dogs, especially puppies. This behavior can be very frustrating for dog owners, but there are fortunately a number of ways in which it can be addressed.

Some people confuse submissive urination and excitement urination in dogs. Submissive urination occurs when a dog feels threatened, and wants to indicate that he or she cedes control to the threat. To indicate submission, dogs will often try averting their eyes and rolling over to expose their stomachs before eventually urinating. Excitement urination occurs in puppies who do not yet have control of their bladders. A dog who pees while jumping on houseguests is exhibiting excitement urination, while a dog who pees after a scolding is demonstrating a textbook case of submissive wetting.

A dog's submissive urination should not be confused with excitement urination.
A dog's submissive urination should not be confused with excitement urination.

If a dog displays either behavior, it is important to go to a veterinarian to eliminate a medical cause for the behavior. Once the veterinarian has established that a dog is healthy, in the case of excitement urination, the behavior will eventually resolve as the dog gains muscle control. Keeping young dogs outside and downplaying greetings can help reduce the behavior until the dog is older.

Scolding a dog can lead to more submissive urination, not less.
Scolding a dog can lead to more submissive urination, not less.

In the case of submissive urination, owners have to handle their dogs in a way which encourages self-confidence, so that the dogs do not feel the need to urinate out of fear or nervousness. When owners arrive home, they should initially ignore a dog, eventually crouching to greet the dog, and avoiding eye contact and excessive physical contact during initial greetings. Looming over a dog or handling a dog can encourage submissive urination, because the dog will view these behaviors as dominant and aggressive.

If guests disregard the owner's directions, it may be advisable to crate a puppy so that the animal does not receive mixed messages during his or her formative training period.
If guests disregard the owner's directions, it may be advisable to crate a puppy so that the animal does not receive mixed messages during his or her formative training period.

Guests to the house should be encouraged to follow the lead of the dog's owner. In the first month or so of training, it is also a good idea to avoid extravagant emotional displays, as intense emotions may frighten the dog. It is especially important to avoid physically or verbally scolding the dog, because these activities will actually reinforce the submissive urination behavior. Instead, owners should provide positive reinforcement in the form of a kind word or treat when the dog behaves well, sticking to a single, sharp, “NO” when the dog does something inappropriate, such as jumping on someone.

A veterinarian should be consulted if a dog displays symptoms of submissive urination to eliminate any other medical cause.
A veterinarian should be consulted if a dog displays symptoms of submissive urination to eliminate any other medical cause.

The important thing to remember with dog training is that it needs to be consistent. When working with a dog who displays submissive urination behavior, owners must work slowly and carefully to promote the dog's self esteem, and guests should be asked to respect the owner's training program. If guests disregard the owner's directions or they are too young to understand the purpose of the training program, it may be advisable to crate the dog so that the animal does not receive mixed messages during his or her critically formative training period.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is submissive urination, and why do animals exhibit this behavior?

A sharp, "No" may be effective when a dog does something inappropriate.
A sharp, "No" may be effective when a dog does something inappropriate.

Submissive urination is a behavior commonly seen in dogs, where they urinate during interactions that involve social pressure or intimidation. This behavior is often a sign of respect, deference, or anxiety in the presence of a more dominant individual. It's an instinctive response, signaling that the animal does not pose a threat.

At what age do dogs typically outgrow submissive urination?

Positive reinforcement for following commands or good behavior is often effective against submissive urination.
Positive reinforcement for following commands or good behavior is often effective against submissive urination.

Many puppies outgrow submissive urination by the time they reach one year of age, as they develop better control over their bladder and gain confidence. However, for some dogs, the behavior may persist into adulthood, especially if it's reinforced by continued anxiety or negative experiences.

How can you differentiate between submissive urination and a medical issue?

Submissive urination usually occurs during greetings, scoldings, or when the dog is feeling intimidated. If the urination is random or frequent, it could indicate a medical issue such as a urinary tract infection or incontinence. Consulting a veterinarian can help determine if the behavior is behavioral or medical in nature.

What are some effective ways to manage or reduce submissive urination in dogs?

To manage submissive urination, avoid direct eye contact, approach your dog from the side, and keep greetings low-key. Positive reinforcement training can also build confidence and reduce anxiety. If the behavior persists, consulting a professional dog trainer or behaviorist can provide tailored strategies for your dog's needs.

Can submissive urination occur in other animals besides dogs?

While submissive urination is most commonly associated with dogs, it can also be observed in other species, including wolves, coyotes, and even some domesticated cats under extreme stress. It's a natural behavior across various species that signals submission or pacification in social hierarchies.

Is punishment an effective method for correcting submissive urination?

Punishment is not an effective method for correcting submissive urination and can actually exacerbate the problem by increasing the dog's anxiety and stress levels. Positive reinforcement and creating a calm environment are more successful approaches for reducing this behavior. Building trust and confidence is key to helping a dog overcome submissive urination.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • A dog's submissive urination should not be confused with excitement urination.
      By: Gelpi
      A dog's submissive urination should not be confused with excitement urination.
    • Scolding a dog can lead to more submissive urination, not less.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      Scolding a dog can lead to more submissive urination, not less.
    • If guests disregard the owner's directions, it may be advisable to crate a puppy so that the animal does not receive mixed messages during his or her formative training period.
      By: MoustacheGirl
      If guests disregard the owner's directions, it may be advisable to crate a puppy so that the animal does not receive mixed messages during his or her formative training period.
    • A veterinarian should be consulted if a dog displays symptoms of submissive urination to eliminate any other medical cause.
      By: Gabriel Blaj
      A veterinarian should be consulted if a dog displays symptoms of submissive urination to eliminate any other medical cause.
    • A sharp, "No" may be effective when a dog does something inappropriate.
      By: Viorel Sima
      A sharp, "No" may be effective when a dog does something inappropriate.
    • Positive reinforcement for following commands or good behavior is often effective against submissive urination.
      By: duncanandison
      Positive reinforcement for following commands or good behavior is often effective against submissive urination.