My Dog Pees When Excited — Help! | Zoetis Petcare

If your dog pees when they get excited, it can be quite an embarrassing or messy experience. But it’s not uncommon (especially in puppies) and happens to both male and female dogs. Some dogs are happily wagging their tails and might not even notice they’re peeing, while others may crouch down, tuck their tails, or roll over while urinating. What can you do about your dog peeing when excited? And when is it time to talk to your veterinarian?

Why Dogs Pee When Excited

This behavior is an instinctual physical response to a spike in emotions for puppies and adult dogs. It’s called submissive urination and can happen when a dog gets excited, like greeting or playing with another dog or person they love. It can also happen when your dog is frightened or anxious, such as when they’re being scolded. 

Puppies simply don’t have a lot of control over their bladder, so when they experience a rush of emotions, “holding it” is quite difficult. Most puppies with submissive urination outgrow this behavior as they physically mature.

Submissive urination can also happen if a dog has a history of being punished. They may have learned to anticipate something unpleasant when approached, like yelling, and are trying to diffuse the situation by showing they are no threat.

Ways to Manage Your Dog’s Peeing When Excited

Keep Greetings Calm

Avoid making a big deal about saying “Hi” to your dog. This doesn’t mean you need to ignore them — keep your voice calm and steady and consider not petting them until they’ve settled down. Often, that physical interaction triggers submissive urination. Be sure to instruct other people how to react if your dog pees when greeting them.

Redirect Your Dog’s Attention

Toss a treat or a toy for your dog to go get instead of urinating as they greet you. This focuses their energy on appropriate behavior and helps prevent jumping.

Teach Polite Greeting Skills

Practice training your dog to sit and wait when greeting people. Not only is this polite all around, but it’s good practice for your dog to keep control of their behavior (and their bodily functions) when excited.

Focus on Potty Training

If you have a puppy who pees when excited, consistency in potty training can help reduce submissive urination. Make sure to give your puppy lots of opportunities to empty their bladder, especially before exciting events. When you arrive home, practice a calm greeting and immediately go outside to their potty area so they can relieve themself.

Build a Positive Relationship

If your dog urinates because they are frightened or anxious, it’s important to show them kindness and patience as you build up their confidence. Don’t yell at or scold a dog who submissively urinates. Instead, keep your approaches calm and slow, and pair them with good things for your dog, like treats and verbal praise. Connecting with a certified dog trainer or behavior consultant can help you address your dog’s underlying fear and anxiety.