You come home from a long day at work and Buster runs towards you with his tail wagging and the biggest expression of joy. As you pet him to say hello and tell him how much you missed him, you suddenly feel a warm sensation on your shoes. You look down and see a puddle of pee. If this scene sounds all too familiar and you're getting tired of seeing trickle trails by the doorway, you may be interested in finding a solution for this form of "excitement urination."
Determine what may be causing the urination. If your dog has never urinated this way before, it doesn't hurt to play it safe and see your veterinarian to rule out any medical causes. Urinary tract infections, bladder stones and diabetes are some common causes of urinary problems in dogs, according to veterinary behaviorist Nicholas Dodman.
Evaluate what behaviors trigger the urination. In many cases, dogs will urinate when you come from work and your pooch cannot contain himself from the happiness. Some dogs may only do this when guests come over or they meet a stranger on a walk. This behavior is commonly seen in puppies, but occasionally can also be seen in adult dogs.
Reduce the excitement a notch. If your dog is happy when you come home, keep those greetings low key. In other words, ignore your pooch and get some other things done before saying hello and talking to him. If your dog is too excited when guests are invited over or when he meets strangers, tell them to do the same.
Establish an alternate behavior. Your dog's mind can be kept off getting too excited if you establish a new behavior pattern to replace the excited urination. You can try having guests toss treats so your dog can focus more on using his sniffer to find the goodies, or you can train your dog to sit on command or go to his place on a mat where he can enjoy a stuffed Kong for a bit.
Tips
Take your dog out first thing when you come home from work. This may keep your dog's mind off greeting you and will give him an opportunity to empty his bladder.
Most puppies and young dogs overcome this form of urination as they grow.
Make sure everybody adheres to your training protocols.
Warnings
Punishing your dog for urinating excitedly will only make matters worse.
Avoid talking or looking at you puppy when you first come home.
Avoid having guests incapable or unwilling to follow your instructions.
Warnings
Punishing your dog for urinating excitedly will only make matters worse.
Avoid talking or looking at you puppy when you first come home.
Avoid having guests incapable or unwilling to follow your instructions.
Tips
Take your dog out first thing when you come home from work. This may keep your dog's mind off greeting you and will give him an opportunity to empty his bladder.
Most puppies and young dogs overcome this form of urination as they grow.
Make sure everybody adheres to your training protocols.
Items You Will Need
- Treats
- Kong toy
References
Resources
Tips
- Take your dog out first thing when you come home from work. This may keep your dog's mind off greeting you and will give him an opportunity to empty his bladder.
- Most puppies and young dogs overcome this form of urination as they grow.
- Make sure everybody adheres to your training protocols.
Warnings
- Punishing your dog for urinating excitedly will only make matters worse.
- Avoid talking or looking at you puppy when you first come home.
- Avoid having guests incapable or unwilling to follow your instructions.
Writer Bio
Adrienne Farricelli has been writing for magazines, books and online publications since 2005. She specializes in canine topics, previously working for the American Animal Hospital Association and receiving certification from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. Her articles have appeared in "USA Today," "The APDT Chronicle of the Dog" and "Every Dog Magazine." She also contributed a chapter in the book " Puppy Socialization - An Insider's Guide to Dog Behavioral Fitness" by Caryl Wolff.