How Do You Stop a Dog From Peeing When It Is Happy?

If puddles are a part of your greeting, it's time to change how you say hello.
i Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images

You get home from work, open the door and see your favorite pooch eagerly ready to greet you. As you bend down to say hello, you quickly notice or feel a trail or puddle following your dog’s eagerness. If this scene happens often, it is likely excitement or submissive urination is to blame.

Step 1

Take your dog to a veterinarian to rule out any possible underlying bladder issues. If the vet discovers issues, address them before trying to address behavior. Once you rule out or treat underlying issues, it is time to change your behavior and address the submissive and excitement behavior.

Step 2

Determine what actions cause your dog to urinate. If the trail of pee only happens when you return home from work or when guests arrive, you know this is an excitement issue and can begin to address it.

Step 3

Look at your actions when you come home. If you eagerly greet your pup and give lots of attention, try walking in the door and not talking or acknowledging her for a few minutes. This will give her a chance to calm down and reduce the excitement level.

Step 4

Crouch down to her level when you do finally greet her. Dogs who look to you as the dominant person may become intimidated when you address them from a standing position. The natural submissive response is to urinate. By bringing yourself down to her level, you appear less dominating. In addition, avoid direct eye contact for the first few minutes, as this shows dominance and may result in another puddle.

Step 5

Talk to family and friends and ensure they follow these same instructions when they enter your home. Having everyone on board with the behavior modification will help to reduce the behavior.

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