Why Do Dogs Pee When Excited and How to Stop This Behavior
By
Anastasiia Petrovska Updated on |Reviewed by Shannon Kenny
Whenever you get home, you’re greeted by a wagging tail and a happy face. But sometimes, you may find that your dog urinates when they get too excited or when someone comes to visit. Excitement peeing in dogs is very common, and it can be just a few drops or a full bladder release. Once you know the cause of excitement peeing, you can help your dog change this behavior.
Key Takeaways
- Excitement peeing is an automatic reaction
- Main causes: puppy inexperience, appeasement behavior, or gaps in house training
- Manage greetings, stay calm, and build confidence to deal with excitement peeing
- The majority of dogs outgrow this behavior when they mature.
Why Do Dogs Pee When Excited?
Excitement urination is most common in energetic, young dogs. According to the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, it’s an automatic reaction to overstimulation, which happens during playtime or while greeting someone. Dogs peeing from excitement is different from submissive urination. The latter is caused by negative emotions, such as fear or anxiety.
This kind of behavior is usually caused by the following three situations.
1. Puppy inexperience
If you’ve ever wondered, “Why do puppies pee when they’re excited?”, it’s because their bladder muscles and emotional control aren’t quite in sync yet. Small puppies (under 12 months) have a pretty small bladder and can’t control it yet. When they experience joy or surprise, these feelings trigger a reaction they can’t deal with yet. As if to say, “I’m so glad you’re back – I just can’t contain myself!”
Look out for body language associated with excited peeing, specifically:
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Loose body
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Wagging tail and\or body
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Barking or whining
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Bouncing.
These behaviors are a signal that your pet may be about to pee. Over time, as puppies grow, they become more emotionally mature and their bladder control improves.
2. Appeasement behavior
Sometimes, a dog pees when excited because of appeasement behavior. This behavior combines all the actions that a dog makes to show that they are not a threat. For example, it can happen when you come home. Rolling over, excitedly licking the face, lowering their body, and excessive bending – these are examples of appeasement behavior.
It’s like an instinct from their puppy years. Whenever your dog urinates as soon as you come home, it may be a signal of respect and a way of communication.
3. Incomplete house training
Incomplete housetraining is another potential explanation why your dog gets excited and pees.
If your pet hasn’t yet learned to hold their pee until the right moment, they may not know where to go potty. Strong emotions can even override the training you’ve already done. Be consistent, maintain a regular routine, and reward good behavior. This is how dogs learn best.
Check out our recommendations on house training in case you’re unsure if you’re doing things right.
4. Medical issues
Make sure to exclude any medical problems if your dog has suddenly started urinating inappropriately or seems like they can’t hold it in. Dog parents should schedule an appointment with a vet to check this out, just in case.
How to Stop Excitement Urination in Dogs
Learning how to stop a dog from peeing when excited isn’t a challenge. It just requires a calm and steady approach. The ultimate goal is to reduce emotional triggers and build confidence. Together, we’ll learn how to build confidence and teach your canine friend
Manage Greetings & Excitement
Greeting their owner, new people, or even other dogs are potential reasons for a dog’s excited peeing. Pet parents should follow these steps to prevent their dog from peeing while greeting people.
1. Avoid interacting while excited
An essential tip is to avoid interacting with your pet in situations that cause excitement. Shannon Kenny, a CPDT-KA certified dog trainer, recommends: “If your dog gets excited to the point of accidental urination, help them by waiting until they calm down to greet them as long as they are old enough to physically hold it during that timeframe.”
2. Stay calm
Like many animals, dogs mirror our own emotions. If you greet your pet quite emotionally – talking loudly or suddenly bending down – their excitement levels spike. What to do:
- Keep your voice low
- Remain calm
- Make sure your body language is easy to understand.
Your calmness is key to decreasing your dog’s reactivity and creating a safe space for it.
3. Redirect attention
In situations, where your dog pees when excited, try to shift their attention and encourage neutral behavior. For example, you can ask your dog to bring their favorite toy or to go to “their” place. This gives them a task to do instead of throwing them into overdrive.
4. Use basic commands
When you have redirected a dog's attention, use basic training commands such as “Sit” or “Stay” before you greet them. Practicing this can be quite helpful, too. It also works as a way to strengthen impulse control and helps to focus on a task they need to do first.
5. Teach polite greetings
After teaching the dog to stay calm and respond to these commands, train them to remain seated when you greet them. Don’t forget to reward them for such behavior. Use small treats or offer gentle praise when they demonstrate emotional control. Over time, the dog learns that calm behavior is associated with positive reinforcement.
6. Coach visitors
Having guests can also trigger your dog. Make sure to instruct the guests on how to properly greet your pet. Ask them to avoid the following:
- Petting
- Making direct eye contact
- Talking to your dog for the first few minutes.
Such behavior from visitors helps dogs learn better. You can also separate the dog from the guests in case they don’t listen to your commands. Let them stay in another room until they calm down enough to greet the guests.
Potty Training & Management
Follow these tips to succeed in your pet’s potty management.
Frequent potty breaks
It’s better to walk with your pet before the dog gets excited and pees.
Remember, an empty bladder means fewer accidents. Usually, puppies need to have potty breaks every 30 min to 3 hours on average, depending on their age. The younger the puppy is, the more frequent those breaks should be.
Consistent potty training
Make sure you’re consistent with potty training your dog. Don’t ignore good results. Whenever a dog pees outside, provide a reward for positive reinforcement.
Use a crate
Having a crate significantly decreases the chances of seeing pee on the floor.
In addition to that, it strengthens the dog's bladder control. Designate a special area and make sure not to leave your dog crated for long. This may distress your canine friend and make the situation worse.
Building Confidence
Obedience training
Learning basic obedience commands (“Sit,” “Come,” “Stay”) can improve a dog's emotional control.
This type of training strengthens a dog's confidence and sense of security. Excitement peeing in dogs becomes rarer, as such changes help to stabilize their emotions. Taking obedience classes from a professional or having short daily sessions together makes a big difference.
Training relaxation
A relaxed dog is a well-behaved dog. Relaxation can be trained the same way you train your dog to demonstrate other behaviors – through consistency and routine. Regular physical and mental exercise, such as scent work or simple running, can help to relieve stress and anxiety. Consistent routine gives your pet a sense of security.
Seek professional help
Consider consulting with a qualified behavior professional, especially if the previous steps haven’t worked. You should also see a dog behaviorist if your dog pees when excited after 6 months of age. Dog behaviorists may help to identify hidden causes of such behavior and suggest a treatment plan.
Wrap Up
Excited peeing in dogs isn’t misbehavior. It’s a stage of your dog’s emotional and social development. Puppies – and even some adult dogs – get so happy that they lose control of the pee.
Most dogs outgrow such behavior, especially when accompanied by your empathy. Managing greetings, ensuring consistent potty training, and strengthening your dog's confidence will help your furry friend.
The next time you wonder how to stop a dog from peeing when excited, remember our recommendations. Stay calm and focus on the dog's training routine. With your love and patience, your dog will greet you with joy – not a puddle of pee.