Dogs have many ways to show other dogs and humans that they mean no harm, want to defuse a tense situation and avoid conflict. One way is to roll on their backs and urinate on themselves.

Submissive urination is common and normal in puppies; however, most puppies will usually outgrow the behaviour. Some puppies remain timid into adulthood and submissive urination can become a problem in the home.

Signs of Submissive Urination

If your dog pees at the following times, you are probably dealing with submissive urination:

• When they are being scolded
• When a person approaches them
• When they are being greeted
• When there’s a disturbance such as a loud argument or sirens blaring
• While making submissive postures, such as crouching, tail tucking or rolling over and exposing their belly

If your dog urinates when they are playing or being greeted but doesn’t exhibit submissive postures, they have a different problem: excitement urination.

Why Your Dog Urinates in Submission

Dogs who behave this way are usually shy, anxious or timid. Some may have a history of being treated harshly or punished inappropriately. Some puppies are solely pre-disposed genetically to being submissive and insecure by nature. Regardless of the reasoning, they pee and adopt submissive postures in an attempt to avoid conflict and avoid punishment.

How You Can Help Your Dog Stop

First, take your dog to a veterinarian to rule out any medical reasons for the behaviour.

Then, start building up their confidence with these steps:

• Teach them commands using positive reinforcement training methods.
• Keep their routine and environment as consistent as possible.
• Gradually expose them to new people and new situations and try to ensure that their new experiences are positive and happy.
• Keep greetings low-key. No bear hugs or loud voices, which your dog may perceive as acts of dominance.
• Encourage and reward confident postures such as sitting or standing.
• Give them an alternative to submissive behaviours. For example, have them “sit” or “shake” as you approach and reward them for obeying.
• Avoid approaching them with postures that they may interpret as dominant or confrontational. Avoid direct eye contact; look at their back or tail instead. Get down on their level by bending at the knees rather than leaning over from the waist. Ask others to approach them in the same way. Pet them under the chin rather than the top of their head. Approach them from the side, rather than head on, and/or present the side of your body to them.
• Eliminate odors wherever your dog submissively urinates, especially if they aren’t completely house-trained.
• Don’t punish or scold them for submissive urination. This will only make the problem worse.
• If your dog is extremely fearful, considering asking your vet about medications that may help during the retraining process.

Above all, be patient. It will take time for your dog to gain confidence, but with you leading the way, they can overcome their fears and blossom into a happy, secure dog.