Submissive Puppy
Dear Dog Trainer:
I am now a proud pet puppy owner (white mini-schnauzer). Mac is almost 7 months old and is doing really well with the potty training. No accidents for at least 4 months. BUT, when she gets excited (and thats when she meets someone new or sees Mommy after she's been away for a week vacation), she lowers to a submissive position with tail and body waging and pees. Is this something she will grow out of, or is there something I can do to stop the pee part of this excitment.
Also, she loves to bite my feet when she knows she's going outside to potty. Any suggestions for getting her to stop biting the feet?
Mary
Hi Mary,
Congratulations on the new addition to your family.
Most dogs do grow out of the submissive urinating, but you can surely help. Does Mac like toys? When you first get home, pay no attention to her (I know this is extremely hard) but you don't even want to have eye contact. Walk straight past her, grab a favorite toy and head outside. Try to get her to chase or play with toy. Then love all over her.
Also when friends arrive, have them ignore her (again extremely hard) teach her the "sit" command and have her sit for a treat for the new visitor. Hopefully the excitement urination will disappear.
The feet biting issue, stop walking. No, seriously there a couple ways to handle this. put a leash on her before going outside and control her that way. Another option is a shake can, a small coffee can with about 15 pennies inside. As you walk out and she goes for your feet, shake the can and use a firm "no." The can can be very effective but some dogs are very sound sensitive, and this can be too much. Also a good amount of bitter apple on your shoes could be a good deterrent.
Good luck, keep me posted on your progress.
Best regards,
Lisa Lombardo,
Bark and Browse
POTTY TROUBLES
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