Saying hello to your dog should be joyful, but for some owners, it comes with an unexpected mess: submissive or excited urination. While it’s more common in puppies or young dogs, it can occasionally affect older dogs, especially those who feel nervous or overwhelmed.
This behavior is often linked to underdeveloped confidence or overexcitement, and certain factors might contribute to the issue. But the good news is that with patience, a calm approach, and positive reinforcement, most dogs can grow out of this phase.
Our team at K9 Basics covers why submissive urination happens, how to help your dog build confidence, and practical tips for turning messy greetings into happy, stress-free moments for both of you.
What is Submissive Urination?
Submissive urination is a natural behavior seen most often in younger dogs. It occurs as a response to nervousness, fear, or even excitement.
Puppies, in particular, may exhibit this behavior because they are still developing emotional control and confidence.
One contributing factor is early spaying or neutering, which can interrupt the full development of a dog’s physical and emotional maturity.
While frustrating for dog parents, submissive urination is not a sign of disobedience or poor training—it’s simply your dog’s way of saying, “I mean no harm” or reacting to heightened emotions.
Submissive vs. Excited Urination
- Submissive urination usually occurs in response to fear, nervousness, or feeling overwhelmed. Signs include a lowered body posture, a tucked tail, and nervous tail wags. It’s often tied to a “fight-or-flight” instinct, where the dog chooses submission to defuse what they perceive as a threat.
- Excited Urination occurs when a dog is overly stimulated, such as during greetings or playtime. In these cases, the dog may have a wagging tail and bouncy movements, showing no signs of fear but simply struggling to control their bladder during high-energy moments.
Puppies: A Matter of Time and Confidence
Young dogs are still learning how to control their bladder and manage their emotions, so patience is key. As they grow, their confidence and self-control naturally improve, reducing the likelihood of accidents. Avoid spaying or neutering too early, as this can disrupt the developmental process.
Positive reinforcement is the cornerstone of helping puppies grow out of submissive urination. Reward calm, confident behavior with praise, treats, or gentle petting. Avoid loud voices or sudden movements, as these can overwhelm your puppy and worsen the issue. Instead, focusing on creating a supportive environment encourages their growth and trust.
Adult Dogs: Adjusting the Approach
Building confidence is crucial for adult dogs that still exhibit submissive urination. Use consistent, positive interactions to help them feel secure. Avoid punishment at all costs, as it reinforces defensive behaviors and undermines trust.
Change doesn’t happen overnight, especially with older dogs. Consistent routines, calm interactions, and rewarding desired behavior can help break the habit. Remember that setbacks may occur, so stay patient and committed to the process.
7 Tips to Stop Submissive Urination in Dogs
1. Have Your Dog Empty Their Bladder Before Greetings
Whenever possible, ensure your dog has had a chance to relieve themselves before meeting new people or experiencing exciting situations. While this isn’t always feasible, it can significantly reduce the chance of accidents.
2. Using Spatial Awareness to Reduce Pressure
Dogs are sensitive to spatial pressure.
Avoid leaning over or crowding your dog during greetings, as this can increase their feelings of vulnerability. Instead, maintain a relaxed posture and allow your dog to approach you at their own pace.
3. Reward Calm Behavior to Reinforce Pack Drive
Calm behavior is a sign of confidence and security. When your dog remains calm during greetings, reward them immediately with positive reinforcement. This strengthens their pack drive and reinforces desirable behavior without adding unnecessary stress.
4. Recognizing and Responding to Flight-or-Fight Triggers
Submissive urination is often linked to the fight-or-flight response. Look for signs like cowering, tucked tails, or nervous tail wags. If you notice these behaviors, slow the interaction and give your dog space to feel secure.
5. The Importance of a Calm, Controlled Environment
A loud or chaotic environment can heighten your dog’s stress levels and worsen submissive urination. Instead, create a calm, controlled atmosphere for greetings and interactions. Speak in a soft, reassuring tone and keep movements slow and deliberate.
6. Manage Greetings to Minimize Stress
When greeting your dog, avoid high-energy interactions that might overwhelm them. Encourage visitors to greet your dog calmly, avoiding loud voices or sudden movements. Let your dog take the lead in approaching new people.
7. Choosing the Right Location: Outside vs. Inside
If possible, conduct greetings outdoors to reduce the risk of indoor accidents and provide your dog with a more open and less intimidating environment.
What to Do When Accidents Do Happen
Accidents are an inevitable part of dealing with submissive or excited urination, but how you respond can make all the difference.
Clean up the mess calmly and without drawing attention to it. Use enzymatic cleaners to remove odors altogether, as lingering smells might encourage your dog to urinate in the same spot again.
Avoid creating a spectacle of the cleanup, as this could increase your dog’s anxiety and reinforce the behavior.
It’s tempting to express frustration when your dog has an accident, but scolding only worsens the situation. Submissive urination is rooted in fear or nervousness, and punishment reinforces these emotions, increasing the likelihood of future accidents. Instead of reacting negatively, focus on creating a calm environment and addressing the root causes of the behavior.
The outdated practice of rubbing a dog’s face in their mess is ineffective and damaging. This approach confuses your dog and can worsen feelings of fear and insecurity, leading to more frequent accidents. Dogs don’t associate this action with their behavior; instead, they interpret it as aggression, which breaks trust and undermines progress.
Accidents are temporary, but your calm and consistent response will leave a lasting positive impact on your dog’s behavior and confidence.
Setting Your Dog Up for Success With K9 Basics!
Submissive urination can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. At K9 Basics, our experienced trainers specialize in building confidence, fostering positive behaviors, and creating tailored training plans that meet your dog’s unique needs.
Whether you’re working with a young puppy or an older dog, we provide individual or group classes equipped with the tools and guidance to help them overcome submissive urination while strengthening your bond.
Call us at (866) 592-2742 or, if you’re from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, or New York, visit us at 131 Kenilworth Road, Marlton, NJ 08053, to learn more about our group training classes.
Also, browse our blog and social media for various topics about dogs and their lives with us!
