🧠 Why Dogs Pee When Excited or Scared
Dogs may involuntarily pee due to submissive urination (fear-based) or excitement urination (over-arousal of emotions). It’s common in puppies and anxious adult dogs.
🔍 Submissive Urination: A fear response to authority or perceived threat.
🎉 Excitement Urination: Happens during high energy moments—like greetings or play.
“Most of the time, your dog isn’t misbehaving—they’re simply overwhelmed. The key is not punishment, but confident, calm conditioning.”
— Dr. Karen London, Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist
📊 Summary Table: Submissive vs. Excitement Urination
| Trait | Submissive Urination 🧎 | Excitement Urination 🎈 |
|---|---|---|
| Trigger | Fear, scolding, posture | Greetings, play, attention |
| Body Language | Crouching, belly-up | Tail wagging, jumping |
| Age Group | Puppies & fearful adults | Mostly puppies <1 year |
| Time of Occurrence | When being approached | During excitement bursts |
| Solution Type | Confidence-building | Controlled greeting |
🧪 What Science Says: Biological Triggers Behind Involuntary Peeing
Both urination types are involuntary. They occur when the parasympathetic nervous system (rest-digest-freeze) is overactivated due to:
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Fear or stress hormones (cortisol/adrenaline) trigger bladder relaxation.
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Puppies have immature sphincter control.
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Social signaling in dogs includes urination to show submission or deference.
🔗 Study: Animal Behavior College – Submissive Urination in Dogs
🛠️ Step-by-Step Routine: Stop Peeing Triggered by Fear or Excitement
✅ 1. Rule Out Medical Causes
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Urinary tract infection
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Incontinence
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Spay-related hormone issues
🔗 VCA Hospitals on Incontinence
👨⚕️ Pro Tip: Always consult a vet before assuming behavior is the sole cause.
✅ 2. Manage Greetings Strategically
| Strategy | What To Do |
|---|---|
| 🔇 Low-key entry | Avoid eye contact or direct greetings for first 5 mins |
| 🚷 Ignore jumping | Don’t touch or acknowledge dog while excited |
| 🪑 Sit command | Ask the dog to sit before any greeting begins |
| 🧍 Avoid leaning over | Crouch sideways instead of bending forward |
| 🧸 Distraction | Hand a toy or treat immediately to redirect emotional spike |
✅ 3. Confidence-Building Training for Submissive Dogs
| Activity | Frequency | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 🧘♂️ Obedience Training | 10 min daily | Builds structure, predictability, and confidence |
| 🐕🦺 Confidence Walks | 30 min daily | Desensitizes dog to triggers, builds independence |
| 🎯 Target Training | 3–5x/week | Gives dog control over environment via cues |
| 💬 Marker Word (“Yes!”) | Always used | Replaces punishment with positive communication |
“Dogs thrive on structure. Predictability reduces anxiety, which is often at the root of submissive urination.”
— Dr. Patricia McConnell, Animal Behaviorist
✅ 4. Positive Reinforcement – No Punishment!
Never punish for indoor peeing due to fear or excitement—it will worsen anxiety and make urination worse.
✅ Use rewards when the dog:
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Stays calm during greetings
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Approaches confidently
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Refrains from peeing during trigger moments
📌 Use treats, praise, or clicker conditioning (Click → Reward).
✅ 5. Calming Tools & Supplements
| Natural Remedy | Benefits | How to Use |
|---|---|---|
| 🌿 Chamomile Treats | Natural anxiety reducer | Daily treat or infused water |
| 🌼 Lavender Diffuser | Reduces cortisol via olfactory input | Use in dog-safe diffuser during stressful times |
| 💊 L-theanine Supplements | Supports emotional balance | Given as per label dose (vet consultation) |
| 🎧 Calming Music | Reduces arousal & background noise | Play during high-stimulation moments |
🆚 Comparison: Training vs Medication for Peeing Issues
| Factor | Behavior Training 🐾 | Medication 💊 |
|---|---|---|
| Effectiveness | Long-term solution | Short-term (if needed) |
| Cost | Lower (time-intensive) | Higher (vet visits, Rx) |
| Side Effects | None | Possible sedation |
| Root Cause Fix | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Recommended First? | ✅ Yes | ❌ Only if behavior fails |
🧑🏫 Expert Quotes
“Submissive urination is more about the dog’s emotional state than their bladder. The fix lies in trust-building, not punishment.”
— Dr. Ian Dunbar, Veterinarian & Behaviorist
“Think of excitement urination as a toddler peeing during a birthday party—it’s emotional overload, not disobedience.”
— Nicole Ellis, Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
📆 Structured Weekly Routine (Sample)
| Day | Focus | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Obedience + Low-energy greeting | 15 mins | Use “Sit” before petting |
| Tuesday | Confidence Walk + Clicker Training | 45 mins | Practice with triggers (doorbell) |
| Wednesday | Playdate with calm dogs | 30 mins | Controlled exposure |
| Thursday | Lavender diffuser + Sit-Stay drill | All day | Calm reinforcement |
| Friday | Vet consult or treat day | – | Add calming supplements if needed |
| Weekend | Practice real-life greetings | 15 mins | Invite friends for mock scenarios |
❓ FAQ Section: Submissive & Excited Urination in Dogs
1. How long does it take to fix excitement urination?
Most dogs improve within 2–6 weeks with consistent training and structured greetings.
2. Is submissive urination a permanent condition?
No. With positive reinforcement and confidence-building, most dogs outgrow it.
3. Can older dogs develop this behavior?
Yes, especially if they’re adopted from traumatic environments or shelters.
4. Should I scold my dog when they pee out of excitement?
Absolutely not. It worsens anxiety and reinforces the problem.
5. Does neutering/spaying help?
In some dogs, hormonal balance post-neutering reduces urination tendencies.
6. Can belly rubs trigger peeing?
Yes. Dogs showing their belly may also pee submissively during such gestures.
7. What breeds are more prone to this behavior?
Smaller and sensitive breeds like Chihuahuas, Beagles, and Cocker Spaniels are more prone.
8. Can crate training help?
Yes, especially to control timing and space of urination and reward success.
9. What if my dog only pees with strangers?
It signals anxiety around new people. Gradual exposure and positive experiences help.
10. Do calming collars or sprays work?
They can support behavior training but should not replace training altogether.
✅ Final Takeaways: What Works Best?
🟢 Behavioral training and desensitization are the most effective long-term fixes
🟢 Create calm, predictable environments with structure and routine
🟢 Use science-backed calming tools as supplements to training
🟢 Rule out medical causes first
🟢 Be patient and consistent—punishment only delays progress
📌 Conclusion
Whether your dog is a nervous pup or an overly enthusiastic greeter, excited or submissive urination is fixable. With the right approach—calm greetings, structured training, and confidence building—you can help your dog gain control, trust, and emotional stability.
This isn’t about discipline—it’s about empathy and understanding canine psychology. When you change the environment and your response, the behavior changes too.
⚠️ Disclaimers
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Always consult your vet before using supplements or ruling out health issues.
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Urinary issues in older dogs could signal kidney/bladder disease.
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This guide focuses on behavioral peeing, not medical incontinence.
