How to train dogs who have submissive urination

Written By Shelley Lieberman

Why it happens:

Submissive urination is a social response, not a potty-training failure. It happens when a dog feels intimidated, overly excited, or unsure. Puppies are most prone, but sensitive adult dogs can struggle too.

Key point:

This is about confidence — not bladder control. Punishment makes it worse. Safety and structure make it better.

What it looks like

  • Small dribble during greetings

  • Cowering, tucked tail, ears back

  • Avoiding eye contact

  • Rolling slightly to the side or back

If urination happens while relaxed, sleeping, or without a social trigger, rule out medical causes with your vet.

At Home: Lower the Pressure

Change greetings

  • Ignore for the first 1–2 minutes.

  • Turn your body sideways.

  • Avoid direct eye contact.

  • Pet under chin or chest, not over the head.

Lower intensity = lower stress response.

Build daily confidence

Short, positive sessions build resilience.

  • Reward-based training only.

  • 3–5 minute sessions.

  • Easy wins (sit, touch, place).

  • Calm praise.

Confidence is preventative medicine.


Avoid common triggers

  • No looming over.

  • No loud corrections.

  • No scolding accidents.

  • Manage high-energy guests.

Calm structure beats correction.

In Public: Pet Shops, Vet Clinics, New Places

Submissive urination often increases in stimulating environments — like walking into a pet shop, grooming salon, or vet office. New smells, unfamiliar people, slick floors, and excited voices can overwhelm sensitive dogs.

Here’s how to prevent it:



1. Practice “neutral entries”

Before entering:

  • Pause outside.

  • Ask for a simple cue (sit or touch).

  • Reward calm focus.

  • Enter slowly.

If your dog is already overstimulated, wait. Entry should feel boring, not exciting.

2. Advocate for your dog

In stores:

  • Politely ask staff not to reach over your dog.

  • Let your dog approach people first.

  • Keep greetings short and low-key.

A pet shop environment can be friendly — but for sensitive dogs, “friendly” can feel intense.





3. Use distance strategically

If your dog starts to crouch or lower posture:

  • Increase space immediately.

  • Move to a quieter aisle or outside.

  • Reset with a simple cue and reward.

Distance reduces pressure.

4. Short visits first

Think exposure training:

  • First visit: 2–3 minutes.

  • Walk in, reward calm behavior, leave.

  • Build duration slowly over multiple visits.

Repetition without overwhelm builds confidence.

5. Watch flooring and footing

Slippery floors can increase insecurity. If needed:

  • Bring a mat for training sessions.

  • Choose carpeted areas first.

  • Work on confidence with novel surfaces at home.

Physical insecurity fuels emotional insecurity.

What NOT to do (especially in public)

  • Don’t apologize loudly or panic.

  • Don’t scold.

  • Don’t rush out in embarrassment.

  • Don’t let strangers crowd your dog


Your calm reaction tells your dog everything is safe.

When to seek help

  • Persists past 18–24 months.

  • Sudden onset in adult dog.

  • Paired with anxiety, shutdown behavior, or fear aggression.

A positive reinforcement trainer or veterinary behaviorist can help create a structured confidence plan.

The bottom line

Submissive urination improves when dogs feel safe — at home and in public.

Calm greetings. Gradual exposure. Clear structure. Positive reinforcement. Consistency.

Confidence is the cure.

Shelley Lieberman
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