Understanding Your Dog’s Behavior
When you come home from a long day at work, your dog greets you with a wagging tail, a happy bark, and, unfortunately, a puddle of pee. This behavior may seem bizarre to you but there’s a perfectly good explanation for it.
As a caregiver, you need to understand that dogs communicate their feelings differently than humans. They use body language and behaviors, such as peeing, to express their emotions. Dogs peeing when they see you can be a sign of submission, excitement, or even a medical condition.
The Science Behind the Behavior
Submissive urination is often seen in younger dogs who haven’t fully developed their social skills yet. They pee to show respect and submission to their human caregivers. They are saying, “You’re in charge here and I respect that.”
On the other hand, excitement urination happens when your dog is so thrilled to see you that they lose control of their bladder. This can happen when you return home, during playtime, or when they meet new people.
Lastly, if your dog suddenly starts peeing when they see you, it might be a sign of a medical issue such as urinary tract infection, bladder stones, or diabetes.
How to Manage the Situation
Don’t fret if your dog pees when they see you, there are ways to manage this behavior:
- Stay Calm: Avoid greeting your dog in an overly enthusiastic manner as it can heighten their excitement.
- Ignore the Behavior: When your dog pees, don’t scold them. Instead, ignore the behavior and clean up the mess without making a fuss.
- Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog when they greet you without peeing. This can help them understand the right behavior.
When to Seek Professional Help
Despite your best efforts, if your dog continues to pee when they see you, it’s time to seek professional help. A vet can rule out any medical conditions and a dog trainer can help correct the behavior.
| Signs to Look Out For | Who to Consult |
|---|---|
| Frequent urination | Vet |
| Blood in urine | Vet |
| Fearful body language | Dog Trainer |
| Aggression | Dog Trainer |
The Emotional Aspect
Remember, your dog isn’t peeing to annoy you. They are simply trying to communicate their emotions. As a caregiver, it’s your job to understand and address these behaviors with patience and love.
FAQs
Q: Why does my dog pee when I come home?
A: This could be due to excitement or submission. They could be so happy to see you that they lose control of their bladder or it could be a sign of respect.
Q: How can I stop my dog from peeing when they see me?
A: Stay calm during greetings, ignore the behavior, and reward your dog when they greet you without peeing.
Q: Should I take my dog to the vet if they pee when they see me?
A: If the behavior is sudden or if there are other signs of discomfort, it’s best to consult a vet.
