Does anyone have suggestions---young dog urinating on visitors

[cally]

I have a three year old mixed breed 70 pound dog that I adore. The problem is that when my daughter or her friends visit, he pees on them or on the floor. I think it's either that he's so excited because we have visitors or he's trying to be submissive. At first, he only did this for my daughter's very tall boyfriend, but now that she's moved away he pees when he sees her or any of her friends.

When I have friends over, I just have them greet him outside before coming inside. He dribbles a little, they greet them, and it's over. My daughter can't/won't do this because he won't obey her as well and she's afraid he'll take off and not come when called. She now won't have her friends over unless I keep the dog beside me at all times.

I've recently started to tell him no when he starts whining with excitement and making him sit until visitors want to greet him. It's not completely working but I have just started trying this.

Has anyone solved this problem or have suggestions?

[Walk away]

1. Well, first you really should take him to the Vets and make sure it isn't...

a physical problem. Sometimes it is physical and behavioural together so you need to rule this out first. Then you have to figure out what is up. Does he lift his leg and pee ON people or does he pee on the ground. One is dominance the other is submission.

If you determine it's submission then you need to calmly reassure him whenever he is in a situation that normally elicits the pee response. Having visitors calmly give him "high value" treats as soon as they arrive and greet him turned slightly away from him and looking down (not at his face) will help to start.

Play act people coming to the door, start with women or children, when they come in, have them ask him to sit (no eye contact please) and reward with a little bit of hot dog. Work your way up to big guys. In a few weeks you may start to see a difference. If not... you might wan't to consult a behaviourist.

[cally]

2. Thanks for the great advice

I've had him checked by a vet but he didn't have training advice. It's definitely submissive peeing so I'll try your suggestions.

[Walk away]

3. When we do this with dogs I usually have folks put a basket full of cut up...

hot dogs by their front door. When people come in they just reach in. I can't stress enough....calm voices, no eye contact (if they have to look keep head bowed and lashes down) looking into a dogs eyes is a direct challenge. Secure dogs accept our ways and ignore our rudeness but frightened dogs sometimes take the whole thing seriously....especially when it comes from an Alpha male.

[erinlough]

4. I dog sit for a furguy who does this

He is a hyper dog, and a love, but my husband just hates this behavior. Out of frustration one day I told my husband to totally act like the puppy wasn't there. The urination totally stopped. Now we wait until he is in a "calm submissive state" ($1 to the dog whisperer). Once he sits in front of me calmly I pet him, without vocalization. It has completely eliminated the peeing. He still needs some time outside first, but once his bladder is empty he can come in and not dribble. Some dogs seem to over react to high pitched greetings.

[Walk away]

5. I dog sit too! Also train and behaviour modification.

www.bethpets.com

[cally]

6. Thanks...it is slowly decreasing

I'm trying the previous suggestions. Mostly just not making a big deal, not looking him in the eye, and making him wait until someone wants to greet him. I'm having them give treats when he is calm as suggested if I anticipate company and have treats available. It seems to be working slowly.