submissive wetting

Question
Hi Kristen,

I came across your website while searching the subject of "submissive wetting".  I am considering adopting a female dog whom I've been told is a submissive wetter.  She is approx 3.5 - 5 months old , and is being fostered by a woman who recently rescued her from death from a dog pound in Ohio.  She's only had the dog for 1 1/2 weeks.  She looks as though she is a mixture of doberman/hound.  She doesn't have large feet so it's predicted that she will be medium sized (40-50lbs). However, she also looks malnourished so perhaps her growth has been stunted.  Nothing is known about her history. She has a very sweet disposition (what attracted me to her) but she is very frightened and wets when you approach her.  I'm hesitant to adopt her, not knowing much about this condition.  I'm wondering what you can tell me about the long-term prognosis of a dog who exhibits this problem.  Is it resolvable?  Thanks for any information you can give me.  Cindy

Answer
Hello, Cindy. Submissive urination is a common problem with puppies, and if ignored, usually resolves itself as the puppy gets older. If the puppy is scolded or reprimanded for doing it, it can become worse and progress into a lifelong problem. If it is ignored, it usually goes away on its own.

One thing you can do with a submissive wetter is to ignore it when you first come home. Wait until it has settled down before showing it attention, and when you do show it attention, be calm and not overly excited. Take it outside if you wish, so that it doesn't pee on the floor inside. Squat down and let it come to you. Pet it on its side or under the chin, rather than on top of the head. If it wets, don't do anything. Don't praise OR scold. Submissive wetting in puppies is their attempt to show you that they recognize you as their leader. It's not a bad behavior, but it isn't something you want to necessarily praise the dog for either. LOL!

Many puppies go through a submissive wetting phase. Most grow out of it and never have a problem again. Some do it for the remainder of their lives, but these are often the dogs who were scolded for it as puppies.

Kristen