Last Updated: 28/01/2026
How To Stop Submissive Urination in Dogs
Is your dog leaking or peeing when they get nervous? Submissive urination is often a sign of low confidence rather than a lack of house training. Discover expert tips on how to identify triggers and use positive reinforcement to help your dog feel safe.
Author: Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 4 minutes - short read
It can be a little frustrating to find a puddle on the floor just as you’re leaning down to say hello, but for a dog prone to submissive urination, this isn't a house-training slip-up - it's a form of communication. In the canine world, certain postures and behaviours are used to signal that a dog isn't a threat to those they perceive as more dominant.
While it might seem messy to us, for a shy or anxious pup, it's their way of saying, "I'm no challenge to you." Understanding the "why" behind this behaviour is the first step toward building your dog's self-esteem and keeping your floors dry.
What is submissive urination?
In the wild, dogs have a hierarchy and there's always a leader of the pack. Submissive dogs display certain behaviours and postures as not to come across as challenging to other, more dominant, members.
Aside from avoiding eye contact and tail tucking, dogs may also roll over and urinate; this is known as submissive urination.
Dogs may perform submissive urination when they are around a person, animal or event that causes them fear.
Common triggers for submissive behaviour
Some triggers of submissive urination include:
- Loud noises (voices, cars, thunder etc.).
- Threatening gestures such as standing over them, excessive eye contact, grabbing or reaching.
- Being scolded or punished.
- Being approached by a new person or animal.
Dogs that urinate submissively are generally shy or anxious pets as this is a behaviour linked to low self-confidence. Submissive urination may also develop if the dog has had a history of abuse or unreasonable punishment.
How is submissive urination different from excitement urination?
If your dog urinates in similar situations but does not perform any accompanying submissive gestures, they may be experiencing excitement urination instead.
Submissive urination is usually accompanied by:
- Rolling over to expose their belly
- Flattening their ears
- Tucking their tail
- Hunching
A dog urinating from excitement is:
- Usually wiggly
- Has a wagging tail
- Focused on play
Practical steps to build confidence and stop accidents
At no time should you scold your dog or react aggressively while you are discouraging submissive urination as this will make the problem worse. Instead what you can do is:
- Use calm, low volume voices when greeting your dog, this includes you and everyone else.
- If your dog is particularly fearful, ask any visitors not to make eye contact with your dog when they arrive, nor pay them any attention. Encourage them to only to interact if this is initiated by your dog.
- When you are in a setting where your dog is feeling safe and relaxed, practice obedience commands like sit, shake or beg by using positive reinforcement. You can then get your dog to follow these commands when they are in new situations and use treats as rewards.
- Gently lead your dog outdoors when they do urinate inappropriately and get rid of any spills with a pet specific urine cleaner to prevent accidents from occurring in the same spot. Dogs tend to urinate where they can smell previous excrements or to cover up odours undesirable to them like bleach.
- Introduce your dog to new situations and people slowly.
- Do not stare at your dog and avoid sudden or threatening gestures. Crouch down when you greet your dog instead of hovering over them and avoid bear hugs.
When to seek professional veterinary help
If your dog is extremely fearful, visit your vet to see if they may require temporary medication. Anxiety relievers such as Adaptil and Zylkene can help calm your pet as you build their confidence.
For more information, read through our guide to How to Calm an Anxious Pet.
FAQs
Helping a dog move past submissive urination requires a gentle hand and plenty of patience. By focusing on building their confidence rather than scolding the accidents, you create a bond based on trust rather than fear.
Remember, this is a physiological response to stress, not an act of defiance. With consistent positive reinforcement and a calm environment, most dogs will eventually outgrow these leaks as they learn to navigate the world with a bit more wag and a lot more courage.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Wed 28 Jan 2026
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Head Veterinarian, BVSc (Hons)
Pet Circle's Head Veterinarian, Dr Teagan graduated from the University of Queensland in 2010 and went on to work in small animal and mixed practice in various locations around QLD & ACT before joining Pet Circle in early 2016. Dr Teagan has special interests in dermatology, nutrition and preventative health care. She feels privileged to witness the special bond people share with their pets on a daily basis and enjoys forming lasting relationships with pet parents and their fur children.
