Correcting Submissive Urination in Dogs

Submissive urination is a common problem in dogs. While it is a natural and essential behavior in the wild, it needs to be corrected in domesticated animals. This Buzzle article tells you how to correct it in dogs.

 

 

 The Medium Is Not The Message!
Peeing is not just a bodily function in the animal world; most animals use it as a vital means of communication. Interpret and respond to the message behind submissive urination. The dog attaches a different connotation to the action than you.

Submissive urination, as the name suggests, happens when the dog wants to show its submissiveness. It is an instinctive behavior, and if not practiced in the wild, can lead to the dog being attacked by the head honcho of its pack.

The first thing to check when encountering submissive urination is whether the dog has any physical disorders that force it to urinate, or cause incontinence. Urinary tract infections can cause unintended urination.

If it is a puppy, it may simply be a physical problem. Like toddlers, puppies take some time to learn where it should do its business. Insufficiently trained puppies aren't to blame for the inconvenience they cause to their owners. Also, if the puppy is less than 3-4 months old, it simply may not have developed enough control over its urges, and it just may not be able to 'hold it in' yet.

Once you make sure that biology or your pet training isn't to blame, move on to correcting the behavioral problem.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/correcting-submissive-urination-in-dogs.html