Behavorial Peeing

Question
We have a 6 month old puppy that is potty trained. She knows to go to the door when she has to go and she does not pee in her crate.  She is very attached to my husband. We also have a 7 month old son who has been in the picture longer than the dog.  Anytime my husband shows any affection or gives our son any attention, the dog will pee right then and there!!  What do we do?

Answer
Hi Kelli,

It sounds like your dog has, what's called "submissive urination".

It's a response to stress, and it's not uncommon in young dogs, when they become overly excited, aroused, or intimidated. Stress for this dog could be triggered by an change in her environment, no matter how minor. Sometimes it occurs when an owner returns from a day's work, kids running in the next room, or a direct stare from an alpha dog, or in your dog's case when your husband pays attention to your baby... with the results of a puddle right then and there.

Your puppy shouldn't be punished or scolded for this, she can't help it. You can read about training your dog out of this behavior here:

http://www.usask.ca/wcvm/herdmed/applied-ethology/behaviourproblems/suburine.htm...

http://www.hilltopanimalhospital.com/submissive%20urination.htm

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1112&S=1&SourceID=47


Best of luck!

Patti