Dog training basics - preventing unwanted urination

A dog owner will find out that dogs urinating in the wrong place is all too common. In fact, it is one of the biggest reasons that dogs are given to shelters.

You must first understand why the dog is having this problem. Then you can address it. There are many reasons why they might be urinating in places that are not appropriate.

Urination When Excited

Even dogs that are housebroken sometimes lose control of their bladder. One way this can happen is when they become too excited. When they are happy to see you, they might urinate slightly and this can be an issue for older dogs especially.

Puppies can have this issue as well as they get overly excited. The puppy might not be aware that he is urinating. That is why it is best not to punish him as he will not know why he is being punished. Being mad can cause your dog to urinate even more. As the puppy learns and gets older he will develop better bladder control.

If your dog gets excited in a certain place or while doing a certain activity, let your dog do this activity or go to this place until they do not urinate anymore. Letting him get used to this will prevent his going unexpectedly in these situations again.

Submissive Urination

A natural part of animals that travel in packs like dogs is to urinate to show submissiveness. Since dogs may think of you as their pack leader, they might urinate to show that they submit to you.

Dogs that are abused or have not had a lot of experience socializing, have this tendency of urinating to show submissiveness. You have to show your pet that he can show its submissive behavior by doing other things like giving you his paw to shake.

Ignoring the dog’s urination can be a good way to deal with it. Being angry with the dog can make the submissive urination worse. Being too understanding can cause the dog to think that you approve. Build his confidence by having him shake your hand and showing his respect for you in this way. 

Reward your dog when he does good and be consistent with how you want him to behave. Find out if your dog has an infection if urination problems occur. Once you know it is not a medical issue, determine what is causing it and treat it. Not by punishing the dog but by learning why he is having this problem and correcting it.