Question about submissiveness in puppies

[gritsar]

It seems like all I think about anymore is Jax and his behaviors.

I have a question about submissive peeing. Whenever my DH corrects Jax, Jax pees all over himself. DH is known for his very deep, very commanding voice. He tells me to use a stern voice with Jax when I need to correct him on something, but I just don't have a voice that I can make sound stern. It hurts my throat to try.


Anyhow, will Jax outgrow this submissive peeing as he matures? He's about a week shy of five months old now.

TIA

 

[siroiszoo]

Here is a link on that subject:

http://www.usask.ca/wcvm/herdmed/applied-ethology/behaviourproblems/suburine.html

you can also google submissive urination in dogs and see what else you get.

 

[Redyre Rotties]

Some friendly advice:

STOP behaviors that cause your puppy to urinate submissively. This will be counterproductive to anything you want to do with him later.

Spend more time rewarding your puppy for what he should do, than correcting him for what he should not do.

Manage his life so that he is able to make as few mistakes as possible. REWARD HIGHLY behaviors you want to see repeated. Keep "corrections" to an absolutely minimum. Ignore or prevent behaviors you do not want repeated.

Your puppy is at an age where he needs to be reinforced for being confident, upstanding, and friendly. Submissive urination reactions can be VERY DIFFICULT TO EXTINGUISH if people continue to overwhelm the puppy to this point on a regular basis.

 

[Jamie_Dog_Trainer]

I replied to your other thread about Jax and his always under your feet behaviors. The submissive urinating is another piece to the puzzle of his temperament.

Just like in my other reply I would implement a leash drag in the house. Keeping a leash on his collar allows you to do several things: 1) you can move him around much more easily, take the leash, don't even have to touch the dog, 2) your husband can "correct" him with moving him to another area instead of using too many vocal commands that scare the dog, 3) you can reinforce a very very excellent recall by always being able to get ahold of a leash, 4) you can reinforce any other commands also, again not having to touch him at all.

Your puppy has a softer temperament. That means he's more sensitive, think if him as one of those guys that women love: in touch with his feelings. It can cause issues such as clingy-ness. Try and foster more confidence in him, and also teach him some independent behaviors such as a long down stay.

As for the sub-peeing itself. Have your husband STOP saying anything but a firm but quiet "no" when he does something wrong, ask you husband to be more aware of his body language. Leaning over the pup, direct eye contact all contribute to a feeling of being threatened, which is exactly why Jax is peeing. The urinating is a sign of defeat, he's showing he means no harm. One firm but quiet "no"should suffice for a puppy that is so sensitive. Again the leash will help out a lot here.

 

[scbatz33]

Quote:
I'm gonna second this. If it were just the "clingy" behavior that you mentioned in the other post, you could say it's "what he's bred to do" but with the urinating, I think you may have more of a scardy cat on your hands. He's afraid to be independent so he's constantly underfoot. He's nervous when voices are raised because of his insecurity so he pees.

 

[gritsar]

Thanks for the advice.
Just a note. My DH doesn't raise his voice to Jax. It's just that his normal tone of voice is very deep. You know the late, great Barry White? DH makes ol' Barry sound like a soprano. His voice scared me the first time I heard it too.
He does make Jax submit though, something I haven't the heart to do. I'll really talk to DH about this.

 

[Brindlebtch]

Most of the schutzhund people don't correct GSD pups even when they bite because they feel the pups confidence should be built up until they feel they are bullet proof.

I don't agree with no corrections to that degree, but evidently some GSD pups need to be handled softly up until about 12 - 18 mos.. He is acknowledging your husband as his Supreme Being and trying to signal to him how subservient he is. Maybe also 'Don't eat me!'

GSDs are so silly in some ways.

I'm sure The Genius Puppy Jax will figure this out as soon as he figures out DH won't eat him. You are right, tell DH not to squash him.

 

[mtnhomechick]

When our dog was a pup she would pee from excitement when company stopped over. She just was so happy she pee'd. She outgrew it.

 

[gritsar]

Thanks for all the advice.