Q.I have a 5 month old female
dog.She is almost perfect but has
a problem having accidents, mostly when she is excited or nervous.She is a very submissive dog and rolls
on her back when people approach her.Does anyone have any suggestions on how to housebreak her?
A.Believe it or not, this is
not a housebreaking issue at all.What this dog owner is describing is known as "submissive
urination".
Since
dogs are pack animals they are genetically programmed to find their place
within the heirarchy of the pack and this means to willingly submit to anyone
they perceive as higher rank.
While
some dogs are naturally more dominant, others are submissive by nature.While a dominant dog will try to make
himself appear bigger by raising his hackles, standing on his toes and holding
his head and ears high, a submissive dog will try to appear smaller.She will crouch down, put her tail and
ears down and possibly roll over on her back to expose her vulnerable
belly.If this doesn't work to
appease the perceived threat she will release urine in an attempt to
apologize.This is her way of
telling a more dominant dog (or person) that she poses no threat and that she
accepts that the other dog is more dominant.
Many
people confuse this with a housebreaking issue and try to deal with it using
scolding and discipline.Discipline and any scolding will actually have the opposite effect and
results in further wetting.The
reason for this is simple: submissive urination is is the ultimate symbol of
respect and is used to try to please the superior.If the superior (you) gets angry and scolds her it only
results in further release of urine in hopes of appeasing you.
Puppies
and very submissive dogs also often dribble urine out of sheer excitement.Often it happens when you arrive home
from work and of course, when you have guests.
How do
you solve the problem if discipline only makes it worse?
Well
the solution is fairly simple.You
need to reduce the amount of excitement in situations where she would tend to
release urine.
* Avoid all eye contact
until she is calm.Advise guests
to completely ignore her and to avoid eye contact completely
* Make it a point to try to
stay calm.Keep your voice lower, talk
slower and keep your movements fluid
* Do not greet your dog
when you first arrive home.Do not
even look at her until she is calm
* Do not "baby
talk" or talk to your dog in a high pitched voice.This creates excitement.Talk to her softly and in a more
neutral voice
* Do not correct or punish
her for wetting.Remember, she
cannot help herself and is really only trying to tell you that you are the boss
* Do not bend over or
otherwise hover over a submissive dog.Give them space and allow them to come to you
* Do not try to comfort or
reassure her, as this will only reinforce the behavior
* Do teach her obedience
commands which will help build confidence
Resolving
a problem like this will start with building her confidence. Just teaching a few basic commands can
really help in this area.Socialization around other dogs can also help her learn more appropriate
social skills.
