TINKLE TINKLE LITTLE CANINE

Photo Courtesy of Rochelle, just rochelle

For most of us, coming home to our dogs or picking them up from daycare can be the highlight of our day! The tail wag, the goofy grin and joyous licks, the wiggling body, and for some of us…a little tinkle. While we can appreciate and share their happiness concerning our return, cleaning up their yellow puddle is not quite the salutation we hope for. Some dogs pee out of excitement. We are accustomed to puppies with this issue but some adult dogs seem to maintain this behavior. When they do, it is known as “adult excitement urination.” While this can be associated with greeting new people or saying hello to their owner, this reaction can also happen when bringing their leash and collar out, grabbing their favorite toy, or getting in the car to go to the park. Whatever the cause for their excitement urination, rest assured that there are some simple solutions to help your adult dog overcome this method of expressing their happiness and anticipation.

Play Detective

Determine the cause that makes Fido urinate every time. Is it when you reach for the leash, is it the high-pitched voice you use to greet your dog when you come home? Once you have concluded the reason that makes your pooch pee, work on addressing that issue.

Change it Up

Now that you have isolated the reason that makes your dog squat and tinkle, work on fixing your behavior, yes yours. If you enter the house squealing and saying your dog’s name over and over again, it will only excite your dog who will sense the rising happiness in your voice. Tone it down for your dog’s sake and though it may be difficult, ignore your dog for the first 10 minutes after you walk in the door. Tell guests to do the same by not petting, talking, or even making eye contact with your dog. When your dog is calm, reward that behavior by petting your dog and praise him or her calmly. If your dog pees whenever you bring out the leash, let your dog outside first, and then put their leash on. If your canine leaves a puddle in the car, take your dog for a short walk before taking him or her on the road.

Confidence Boost

Since adult excitement urination can sometimes be related to your dog’s insecurity, it is very important to work on building your dog’s self-confidence. Teach your dog new tricks and reward with treats and praise. Try agility at Morris K9 Campus, a wonderful physical and mental outlet that has a great track record for improving dogs’ confidence levels. Bring fulfillment to your canine’s life by exercising him or her. Take your dog on long walks, work your pooch out on the canine treadmill at Morris K9 Campus, and socialize Fido by engaging with other fuzzy friends. If your dog is up to date with vaccinations and has a good temperament with other people and dogs, try Doggie Daycare. If you are unsure how your dog will react with other wet-nosed pals, fear not! Morris K9 Campus offers a free half day evaluation to observe how well your dog plays with others, so try it out!

All dogs express their excitement in different ways. Some adult dogs continue this behavior. However, if you determine the root cause that leads to your dog’s yellow puddle, you can slowly work on eradicating this issue by adjusting your own behavior, desensitizing your dog, and by ensuring your pet is mentally and physically satisfied.

IS YOUR DOG INSECURE?

It turns out your teenager may not be the only insecure one in the household. That moody wallflower sitting in a corner with apprehensive eyes could just as well be Fido! Though your dog does not have to worry about the perfect outfit to wear to the dance, your canine has his or her own reasons for adopting this shy attitude. How can you help your pooch break out of their shell and meet the world with confidence and vigor? We’ve got some tips to eradicate this behavior.

Signs of an Insecure Pooch
Does your dog roll over as soon as you, or other people approach, exposing his or her little dog belly? Does your dog pee when you touch him or her? If your precious pup exhibits signs of this behavior, chances are you have a passive dog on your hands. Other signs of a shy dog are wide fearful eyes or squinted eyes, ears pressed flat against the head, and/or lowering its body to the ground to be as small as possible.

Why is Your Dog Shy?
There are many reasons why a dog might be shy and it can be difficult to pinpoint the root of the cause unless you watched your dog age from a puppy to adulthood. Chances are, if you adopted your dog they might have some fear issues and this probably stems from their upbringing, their former owners, or the way they were treated previously by both humans and/or other animals. This behavior is also inherited from canine parents as well, so if doggie Mom was insecure, it is possible your dog might be too.

Boost Your Dog’s Confidence

Since you can’t give your dog a shot of confidence you will have to slowly work through the issue. Do not make your dog feel more insecure by engaging in what a pooch can interpret as assertive behavior. This can include towering over your pup, staring them in the eyes, or for some, petting them on the head or back. Stick to a neutral zone like stroking your dog’s chest, and kneel down to their level without looking them in the eye. Encourage guests that come to your house to treat your dog in the same manner and to keep greetings and interactions calm and low-key. It is not a good idea to over-excite an anxious dog. It is important to remember that whatever you do, do not reprimand or scold an insecure dog; it will only make them believe they are not showing you or your guests enough respect and might result in your dog feeling more unconfident. Teach your dog basic training skills and simple commands. Your dog will gain confidence as his or her world expands and your pooch learns new skills.

Agility to the Rescue!

Another wonderful way for your canine to increase their doggie self-esteem is by partaking in agility. Agility is a great dog sport and a powerful way to increase the bond between you and your dog. Canines love having a job to do and agility not only encourages your dog to learn new skills but it allows your dog to be active and have fun while doing it. Morris K9 Campus offers a range of agility classes starting with a beginner level where no prior experience is necessary.

Help your dog tackle their insecurities and approach the world with self-assurance!