Excited Peeing

Question
We have a six month old Jack whom we bought at ten weeks, and started to potty train immediately.  She gets the concept of going outside, but has a problem with getting excited and peeing. We figure it's a puppy thing, and she'll grow out of it, but want to know if there's anything we can do to help it along.  Not only does she pee when we have visitors or come home, but now she pees every time we grab the leash to take her outside like she can't wait until we get outside to to do it.  Could this be a health problem?  Or a behavioral problem that we can fix?  Or do we need to just ride it out? We're also concerned because the vet put her on Ace tablets (1/2 per day) to control the excitedness a bit, which hasn't really helped, could this be hurting her?

Answer
Hi Carma, Thanks for the rating. You said the dog was prescribed ACE.
Which IS a heart medication. I've attached some literature from a veterinary medical book so that you can show your vet who has "never heard of it".
ACE is a dipeptidase that catalyzes the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor which stimulates aldosterone secretion by the adrenal cortex. Inhibition of ACE results in decreased plasma angiotensin II levels, which leads to decreased vasopressor activity and to decreased aldosterone secretion. ACE inhibitors are neurohormonal antagonists that are balanced (both arterial and venous) vasodilators resulting in decreased preload and afterload. The overall effect of enalapril treatment is a decrease in the workload of the heart resulting from both arterial and venous dilation and decreased fluid retention. ACE
is indicated for the treatment of mild, moderate, or severe [modified NYHA Class II(a), III(b), IV(c)] heart failure in dogs. (See CASE MANAGEMENT section for etiologies and appropriate conjunctive therapies.)


Hi Carma,
I don't quite understand what the medicine she is taking is for. Does she have heart problems? Ace tablets (if that's what she's on -  slow the heart rate down and have bad potential side effects. Why on earth would a vet prescribe those in a PUPPY unless the puppy is ill ?? Maybe I don't have the correct medicine...? Perhaps you could write back and clarify that for me? Puppies are "excitable" as it is, and especially Jack Russells, it's in their nature!! Why are they trying to correct THAT??? Good training and time can help with the excitedness, but that's what puppies do............

As far as the excited peeing - that is called Submissive or (excited) Urination.  Here is an excellent article that I have handed out many times. It's good that you are writing sooner than later as it is correctable if done right.

Believe it or not, this is not a housetraining problem. It has to do with some normal canine behavior patterns that you can and should deal with in a positive way.

Dogs are instinctively programmed to accept the authority of creatures (animal and human) that they consider to be superior to them. They seek the approval of their superiors and are eager to please them. Many dog owners prefer a dog who is submissive to people and eager to please, and selective breeding has produced many domestic dogs with this characteristic.

Some dogs are more submissive than others. Very submissive dogs, shy dogs that lack self-confidence and often young pups will urinate when in the presence of more dominant dogs and humans. It's their instinctive way of telling the superior "You are my Supreme Master. Your wish is my command. Please don't hurt me!"

Puppies usually outgrow this behavior as they mature. Dogs who are naturally shy, insecure, extremely submissive, or who have been abused may continue to exhibit submission in this way even as adults. It is generally an involuntary, subconscious reflex. The dog isn't deliberately trying to do it. As a matter of fact, he may not even be aware that he's doing it at the time!

Many dog owners mistakenly believe that this type of urination is a housetraining problem, and try to correct it with discipline. To their dismay and frustration, rather than improving, the dog's problem gets worse! Because the message he's sending is misunderstood by the owner, the dog is caught in a vicious cycle - his instincts tell him to urinate to please his superior by showing submission. But when he does, he is punished. He then tries harder to please by urinating even more. This results in more punishment, and still more urination. After a time, the dog may become so confused and insecure that he urinates at the mere sight of a human being or another dog.

If discipline won't solve the problem, what will? Your task is to take the excitement and stress out of the periods that previously triggered submissive urination. Get cooperation from all members of the family. When you first get home, you can anticipate that the dog will get excited and urinate so you need to minimize the excitement. Instead of an enthusiastic greeting to your dog, quietly walk in the door and go about your business. Let her outside to pee as usual, but without any fanfare. If you talk to her at all, just say "Hi Baby" in a calm, casual tone of voice. Don't make eye contact with her or pet her. After she settles down, very gently crouch down to her level presenting to her sideways (this makes you very non-threatening), then calmly and quietly praise her and tell her she's good. Be sure to tell your family and visitors to do the same. Completely tone down any and all welcomes.

Do everything you can to boost your dog's confidence. As she becomes more confident, she may feel less of a need to display extreme submissive behavior:

Positive reinforcement obedience training does wonders for a dog's confidence! An untrained dog is doesn't know how to communicate with humans or how to behave, but the trained dog understands what's expected of him, and the words you say to him. He's confident because he has the tools with which to please his superiors.
Socialization at training classes, dog daycare, at the park, or just going with you on errands and to visit friends can do wonders for your dog's confidence. Have guests over who are willing to help out with this problem.
Agility training is another wonderfully fun way to boost your dog's confidence using physical obstacles and mental stimulation as well as new human words to understand and obey.
Incorporate basic obedience (Sit, Stay, Fetch, Come, etc.) into your daily life and when your dog obeys, he gains confidence through your praise. Just don't overdo the praise (this can result in a puddle!). A simple "Good boy" and gentle pat is enough.
Minimize the occasions your dog makes you want to scold him; think about what your dog does that causes you to scold him. For example, does he get into the trash, steal your children's toys or chew on your sneakers? By simply putting a lid on the trash can or putting it into a closet and requiring your family to pick up after themselves, these situations can be eliminated. The easier you make it for your dog to do what you want, the quicker he'll learn and his confidence will grown. On the other hand, discipline, scolding and physical punishment will simply reduce his confidence and worsen your submissive urination problem.
Dogs, especially shy or submissive ones, are very sensitive to body language and tone of voice. Bending over a dog is a "dominant" posture that may provoke an accident. Instead, get down to your dog's level by crouching or kneeling, preferably at his side rather than head-on.
These dogs are often intimidated by direct eye contact as well. Look at your dog's face without looking directly into his eyes, and only for very short periods.
If you are expecting guests, take your dog for a walk and get his bladder emptied ahead of time, and restrict water consumption for an hour before your guests are to arrive.
When speaking to your dog, use a calm, confident, moderate tone of voice. Avoid very high or low extremes in pitch. Don't "coochy-coo" or babytalk to your dog either. These tones can create excitement that results in submissive urination.
Don't scold or punish your dog for urinating submissively. It will only make things worse. He can't be held responsible for something he doesn't understand or even know he's doing. Instead, use these methods to get to the root of the matter: His basic insecurity and lack of confidence. When he's made progress in these areas, submissive urination often disappears on its own. How long will it take? Every dog is different and it's impossible to say for sure. With most dogs, following our directions will show a noticeable difference within a short time. Solving the problem altogether depends on your hard work, patience, consistency and willingness to stick with it.

Good luck