Stop a Dog from Peeing When Excited: Tips and Tricks


Dogs are known for their enthusiastic and affectionate nature, which often leads to them showing excitement in various ways.

One of the ways dogs express their excitement is by peeing. Fortunately, there are several ways to stop a dog from peeing when excited, which can be a frustrating and embarrassing issue for pet owners.

One effective method to stop a dog from peeing when excited is to train them to control their bladder. This can be achieved by teaching them the “wait” command, which involves asking the dog to hold their bladder until given permission to relieve themselves. Another useful technique is to reward the dog for good behavior, such as sitting calmly or refraining from peeing when excited. Consistent positive reinforcement can help the dog associate good behavior with rewards and reduce the likelihood of them peeing when excited.

It’s important to note that excessive excitement can also be a symptom of an underlying medical issue, such as a urinary tract infection or bladder problem. In such cases, it’s crucial to seek veterinary care to address the issue and prevent further complications. By taking a proactive approach and implementing effective training techniques, pet owners can successfully stop a dog from peeing when excited and enjoy a more stress-free relationship with their furry friend.

A woman cleaning up dog pee from a wooden floor.
Credit: Photo by kinek00

Understanding Excited and Submissive Urination

Defining Excited and Submissive Urination

Excited urination is a common behavior in puppies and young dogs. It occurs when a dog gets overly excited or stimulated, such as when greeting people or other dogs, and loses control of their bladder. On the other hand, submissive urination is a display of submission or fear in dogs. It is often seen in puppies and adult dogs and is triggered by situations that make them feel threatened or intimidated.

Identifying Signs of Excited and Submissive Peeing

Excited urination is usually accompanied by other signs of excitement, such as jumping, tail wagging, and a happy demeanor. However, if the dog is urinating excessively or in inappropriate places, it may indicate a problem. Signs of submissive urination, on the other hand, include cowering, avoiding eye contact, and rolling over on their back. It is important to note that submissive urination is not a behavior problem but rather a natural response to stress.

Age-Related Urination Issues in Dogs

Puppies and young dogs are more prone to excited urination due to their lack of bladder control and high energy levels. As they mature, they learn to control their bladder and the behavior usually subsides. However, if it persists into adulthood, it may indicate an underlying medical or behavioral issue. Submissive urination, on the other hand, can occur at any age and is often a result of poor socialization or traumatic experiences.

In conclusion, understanding the difference between excited and submissive urination is crucial in addressing these behaviors in dogs. By identifying the signs and triggers, pet owners can take steps to prevent or manage the behavior. It is important to approach the issue with patience and understanding, as punishment or scolding can worsen the behavior.

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Preventive Measures and Training

Establishing a Routine

Establishing a routine is one of the most effective ways to prevent a dog from peeing when excited. By maintaining a consistent routine, the dog will know when it is time to go outside and relieve itself. This can be achieved by feeding the dog at the same time every day, taking the dog for a walk at regular intervals, and providing plenty of opportunities for the dog to go outside to urinate.

Positive Reinforcement Training

Positive reinforcement training is a highly effective method for training a dog to stop peeing when excited. This involves rewarding the dog with treats and praise when it exhibits the desired behavior. For example, when the dog remains calm and does not urinate when excited, it should be rewarded with a treat and plenty of praise. This will help to reinforce the desired behavior and encourage the dog to repeat it in the future.

Command Training: ‘Sit’ and ‘Down’

Command training can also be highly effective in preventing a dog from peeing when excited. Teaching the dog basic commands such as ‘sit’ and ‘down’ can help to keep the dog calm and focused in situations where it may become excited. By using these commands, the dog can be trained to remain calm and avoid urinating when it becomes excited.

In summary, preventing a dog from peeing when excited can be achieved through a combination of establishing a routine, positive reinforcement training, and command training. By using these methods, owners can help to train their dogs to remain calm and avoid urinating in situations where they may become excited. With patience and consistency, most dogs can be successfully trained to control their bladder and remain calm in a variety of situations.

Managing Triggers and Behavioral Techniques

Identifying and Reducing Excitement Triggers

The first step in managing a dog’s excitement-related urination is to identify and reduce the triggers that cause the behavior. Some common triggers include loud noises, sudden movements, and unfamiliar people or animals. By reducing exposure to these triggers, owners can help their dogs stay calm and relaxed.

Approach and Interaction Guidelines

When interacting with an excited dog, it is important to approach them in a calm and controlled manner. Avoid making sudden movements or loud noises that could startle the dog. Instead, approach them slowly and calmly, speaking in a soft and reassuring voice.

Eye contact can also be an important factor in managing a dog’s excitement. Direct eye contact can be seen as a challenge or threat, causing the dog to become more anxious and excited. Instead, try to approach the dog from the side and avoid direct eye contact until they have calmed down.

Body Language and Communication

A dog’s body language can provide important clues about their emotional state. Signs of excitement include a wagging tail, raised hackles, and a tense body posture. By learning to read a dog’s body language, owners can better understand their pet’s emotional state and respond appropriately.

Communication is also an important part of managing a dog’s excitement-related urination. Owners should avoid scolding or punishing the dog for their behavior, as this can make the problem worse. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise for good behavior.

By following these guidelines and using positive reinforcement techniques, owners can help their dogs overcome excitement-related urination and enjoy a happy and healthy relationship.

Creating a Low-Stress Environment

Proper Greetings and Visitor Etiquette

When a dog gets overstimulated, it may pee out of excitement. This can be a problem when visitors come to your home. To prevent this, it’s important to teach your dog proper greetings and visitor etiquette.

First, teach your dog to remain calm when greeting visitors. This can be done by having your dog sit or lie down before the visitor enters the house. Make sure to reward your dog for good behavior.

Next, teach your visitors how to properly greet your dog. Instruct them to avoid petting your dog until it is calm. Once your dog is calm, visitors can pet your dog under the chin or on the chest. Avoid petting your dog on the head, as this can be overstimulating.

Maintaining a Calm Atmosphere

Creating a low-key and calm atmosphere can help prevent your dog from getting overstimulated and peeing out of excitement.

One way to maintain a calm atmosphere is to ignore your dog when you first enter the house. This will prevent your dog from getting overly excited and peeing. Instead, wait until your dog has calmed down before giving it attention.

Another way to maintain a calm atmosphere is to limit your dog’s access to high-stress areas. For example, if your dog gets overly excited when visitors come to the house, consider keeping it in a separate room until the visitors have settled in.

Overall, creating a low-stress environment can help prevent your dog from peeing out of excitement. By teaching your dog proper greetings and visitor etiquette, and by maintaining a calm atmosphere, you can help your dog stay calm and avoid accidents.

Health-Related Considerations

Medical Conditions That Cause Inappropriate Urination

Inappropriate urination is a common problem among dogs, and it can be caused by various medical conditions. One of the most common causes of inappropriate urination is a urinary tract infection. Dogs with a urinary tract infection may experience pain and discomfort while urinating, which can lead to inappropriate urination. Other medical conditions that may cause inappropriate urination include urinary incontinence, bladder stones, and kidney disease.

If a dog is experiencing inappropriate urination, it is important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause of the problem. The veterinarian may perform a physical examination, blood tests, and urine tests to identify any medical conditions that may be causing the problem. Once the underlying cause is identified, appropriate treatment can be prescribed to address the problem.

Consulting with a Veterinarian

If a dog is experiencing inappropriate urination, it is important to consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible. Inappropriate urination can be a sign of a serious medical condition, and prompt treatment is essential to prevent further complications.

During the consultation, the veterinarian will perform a physical examination of the dog and may recommend further tests to determine the underlying cause of the problem. The veterinarian may also prescribe medication or other treatments to address the underlying cause of the problem.

In conclusion, inappropriate urination is a common problem among dogs, and it can be caused by various medical conditions. If a dog is experiencing inappropriate urination, it is important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause of the problem and to receive appropriate treatment.

Long-Term Strategies and Patience

Housetraining for Consistency

One of the most effective ways to stop a dog from peeing when excited is through consistent housetraining. This involves taking the dog outside to pee at regular intervals, such as every two hours, and rewarding them with treats and praise when they do so outside. Consistency is key, as it helps the dog learn that peeing outside is the desired behavior.

It’s important to note that housetraining can take time and patience, especially for older dogs or those with previous bad habits. However, with persistence and positive reinforcement, most dogs can learn to hold their bladder and pee outside consistently.

Dealing with Accidents Positively

Even with consistent housetraining, accidents can still happen. When they do, it’s important to remain patient and positive. Punishing the dog for accidents can actually make the problem worse, as the dog may become afraid to pee in front of their owner.

Instead, owners should clean up accidents with an enzymatic cleaner to remove any scent that may attract the dog to pee in the same spot again. They should also reward the dog for peeing outside, even if it’s just a small amount, to reinforce the desired behavior.

It’s important to remember that stopping a dog from peeing when excited takes time and patience, and can be frustrating at times. However, by using consistent house training and positive reinforcement, most dogs can learn to hold their bladder and pee outside consistently.

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Warwick Jones

You'd be right in thinking that I am passionate about dogs. I am. So much so that my wife thinks that I love dogs more than I love her - which is not true, by the way. I love my wife, and I love my dogs, in that order. So this website is about sharing a little of what I know in the hope that I can help others become better dog owners - a well-trained dog owner equals a well trained, happy, and healthy dog :-)

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