Potties when scared

Question
I have a 4 month old Chihuahua who weighs about 3 lbs.!  I have had her since she was 9 weeks old.  She is now completely house trained and does not ever have accidents in the house.  However, my sister-in-law come from out of town to visit and picked up my Chihuahua who proceeded to peepee on my sister-in-law.  The other day I took her to have her nails clipped and when I handed her to the groomer my puppy peed all over me, the groomer and the floor.  How do I stop this problem?

Answer
Hi Tammy, Thanks for the question. You might have her checked by your vet, but it is unlikely that he or she will find anything.

Unless there is a medical problem, Lady has submissive urination. Indirectly the behavior is fear related. She perceives a threat. Her nervous system is in auto mode and is shutting down all non-vital functions, bladder control being one of them. The behavior also has its roots in preparing for flight - animals that were a few ounces lighter than others in the group who did not release their bladder were not the slowest, hence they got away from the predators.  

Most pups outgrow it. For now, recognize when it is most likely to happen and avoid those situations. When it does happen, don't fuss at her.

Teach her some obedience commands. That will give her more confidence about her environment. Pracatice passing her back and forth between people she knows and trusts. Use praise and treats with each pass.

For more tips scroll down this link and select Submissive or Excitement Urination . http://www.ddfl.org/tips.htm#dog

Happy Training.
AT