Puppy Peeing When Excited? Fix It Fast with These Tips
Dogs can’t always put their feelings into words, but sometimes, they let them out in puddles. For many owners, excited or submissive urination feels like an ongoing challenge. You walk through the door, and within seconds, there’s a mess by your shoes. This issue is more common than most admit, and with the right understanding and patience, it can be managed or even stopped altogether.
How to Stop a Dog from Peeing When Excited
If you want to stop your dog from peeing when excited, it starts with understanding their triggers. Keep greetings low-key, avoid direct eye contact, and let your dog settle before interacting. Take them outside immediately and offer frequent potty breaks throughout the day. With consistent routines and calm reinforcement, most dogs improve as they mature.
Why Dogs Pee When Excited or Submissive
Urination triggered by emotion usually stems from one of two things: excitement or submission. While the outcome might look the same on your carpet, what’s happening inside your dog is entirely different.
Excitement urination often shows up in young, happy, energetic dogs. Submissive urination is usually driven by insecurity or a desire to avoid conflict. Identifying which one you’re dealing with is the first step in fixing it.
The Difference Between Excited and Submissive Urination
Excited urination happens when your dog is simply too happy to hold it. These dogs wag their tails wildly, bounce around, or bark when you walk through the door. They don’t mean to pee, it just slips out.
Submissive urination, on the other hand, is more calculated. It’s an instinctive behavior used to say, “I mean no harm.” Dogs may crouch down, roll over, tuck their tails, or avoid eye contact during these accidents.
Also Read: Anything You Want to Know about Your Pet
What Causes Excitement Urination in Dogs
Many puppies haven’t developed full bladder control. The moment they get too worked up, their bladder muscles give in. Even if they’re house-trained, excitement can override control—especially if they’ve been napping, crated, or haven’t peed in a while.
Triggers often include:
- Greet their owner or guests
- Hearing voices or footsteps
- Being startled or suddenly awakened
- Beginning an energetic play session
What Triggers Submissive Peeing in Dogs
Dogs that feel unsure, anxious, or fearful may pee to show submission. This is common in rescues or those with a history of punishment. Specific triggers include:
- Reaching over their head
- Standing over them or making eye contact
- Loud scolding or corrections
- Fast movements or unfamiliar people
In these cases, the dog isn’t being disobedient. They’re trying to keep the peace.
Common Situations That Lead to Accidents
Accidents typically occur during:
- Unexpected greetings or reunions
- Correction or scolding after a mistake
- Guests bending over to pet them
- Overstimulation from play or unfamiliar environments
Being aware of these situations helps you prepare and prevent the pee before it hits the floor.
Is There a Medical Reason Behind It?
Not all inappropriate urination stems from emotion. Medical conditions can produce the same symptoms. Before training your dog to stop, you should rule out health issues.
Urinary Tract Infections and Incontinence
UTIs are a common cause of frequent accidents. They can make urinating painful or uncontrollable. You may also notice foul-smelling urine or constant licking.
Incontinence, especially in older dogs or those recently spayed/neutered, may happen when they’re sleeping, resting, or simply unaware. A vet visit is critical for these signs.
Developmental Issues in Puppies
Puppies under six months often lack the physical development to “hold it.” Bladder muscles take time to mature. Accidents in this stage are common, even with great training.
In some cases, dogs experience delayed control after neutering, but this usually resolves on its own.
When to Consult a Veterinarian
Call your vet if:
- The behavior starts suddenly in adult dogs
- Your dog strains, whimpers, or licks excessively
- The urine has blood or a strong odor
- They leak while resting or sleeping
Health issues like diabetes, ectopic ureters, or kidney disease can mimic excitement urination.
Real Experiences from Dog Owners
Online communities offer useful stories from owners who’ve handled this issue firsthand. Here are three real-life examples:
“My Puppy Pees When Guests Arrive – Here’s What Worked”
One Reddit user shared that their 9-month-old female GSD would pee from excitement, even after going potty. They stopped scolding, managed guests by having them ignore her at first, and stuck to a potty-before-greeting routine. Eventually, the issue faded without stress.
“How I Helped My Rescue Dog Overcome Submissive Peeing”
A family adopted a 5-month-old rescue. After neutering, the puppy started peeing during reunions. Their fix? No greetings until the dog went outside first. By six months, the habit was gone.
“Changing My Dog’s Greeting Routine Stopped Indoor Accidents”
Another owner trained their dog to sit when someone entered the room. This gave the dog a task to focus on instead of getting overwhelmed. It worked better than expected and stopped the problem altogether.
Behavior-Based Solutions That Actually Work
Stopping accidents is possible, but it takes more than punishment. Here’s what actually helps.
Calm Your Dog’s Greeting Rituals
When you enter the house, stay quiet. Avoid eye contact, kneel sideways, and let them come to you when calm. Give affection only after they’ve had a moment to settle.
Take Frequent and Timed Potty Breaks
Don’t wait for accidents. Give your dog frequent chances to relieve themselves, especially before walks, guests, or playtime. Puppies under 6 months often need to go every 2–3 hours.
Reinforce Calm Behavior with Treats and Praise
When your dog behaves calmly during a trigger moment, reward them softly. Toss a treat or gently praise them. Focus on calm energy and use low voices.
Use Basic Commands to Redirect Excitement
Before high-stimulation moments, ask your dog to “sit” or “stay.” Redirecting their focus prevents overwhelming emotions and keeps their body still.
Also Read: Why Is My Dog Chewing Its Tail? Common Causes and Solutions
Submissive Urination Training Tips
Confidence-building changes everything. These training tips can stop submissive accidents for good.
Change How You Approach Your Dog
Instead of standing tall or leaning over, kneel or sit with your side to them. Let them come to you first. This prevents them from feeling cornered.
Avoid Direct Eye Contact and Loud Voices
Even friendly dogs can get intimidated. Look near their shoulder or body, not straight into their eyes. Use soft, consistent tones when giving commands.
Desensitize Your Dog to Common Triggers
Start by moving your hand an inch toward their collar. Reward calm behavior. Gradually build up to more intense gestures like leashing or reaching overhead.
Clean Accidents Without Emotion
Use enzymatic cleaners to remove odor, which can otherwise lead to repeat accidents. Never react with frustration or scolding. Stay calm and redirect.
What Not to Do When Your Dog Pees from Excitement
These common mistakes can backfire:
Don’t Punish or Scold Your Dog
Punishment leads to fear, which can worsen submissive urination. Instead, build trust through gentle responses.
Don’t Overstimulate During Play or Greetings
Tone down your energy. Keep playing gently and pause if your dog gets overwhelmed. Avoid loud noises, roughhousing, or sudden excitement indoors.
Don’t Force Eye Contact or Stand Over Them
These are dominance signals in canine language. Always move slowly and at their level to avoid triggering submission.
Also Read: Dog Tail Between Legs! Is Your Dog Scared?
When to Get Professional Help
Some dogs need more than home training.
Signs Your Dog Needs a Behaviorist
If your dog continues to urinate despite training or their behavior worsens, consider working with a professional. Other signs include ongoing fear, anxiety, or freezing during social situations.
What to Expect from a Certified Dog Trainer
Trainers assess your dog’s environment, history, and triggers. They may create a custom program including calm exposure therapy, confidence-building, and command chaining.
FAQs
Why Does My Dog Pee When I Come Home?
Dogs who adore their people can get too emotional during greetings. If they haven’t had a recent potty break, they lose control. Teaching your dog to wait or sit calmly before interaction can help avoid accidents.
Why Does My Dog Pee When I Pet Them?
This is usually submissive urination. Your dog may be reacting to body language that feels dominant. Try sitting down, speaking gently, and petting under the chin instead of on the head to reduce pressure.
Also Read: Why Does Your Dog Lick Blankets? Habit or Signal?
Can Puppies Grow Out of Excited Peeing?
Yes, many outgrow it between 6–12 months, especially when given calm routines and potty breaks before triggers. But some dogs need extra time, especially rescues or nervous breeds.
Is Submissive Peeing a Sign of Fear?
Not always. It’s a communication tool dogs use to signal peace. But if your dog has a history of punishment, the behavior may be stronger. Earning their trust over time helps reduce the need for this signal.
How Long Does It Take to Fix This Behavior?
Some dogs stop in weeks; others take months. The more consistent you are with your training, tone, and potty timing, the faster you’ll see results. If things don’t improve in 6–8 weeks, a vet or behaviorist may be needed.
Behavioral vs. Medical Urination Causes
| Cause Type | Common Signs | First Step to Try |
|---|---|---|
| Excitement Urination | Bouncing, tail wagging, happens during play/greetings | Calm greetings, add pre-play potty breaks |
| Submissive Urination | Cowering, rolling over, peeing when corrected | Soft tone, avoid eye contact, desensitize |
| Incomplete House Training | Accidents with no pattern | Visit the vet for urinalysis |
| Anxiety or Fear | Startles easily, hides or trembles | Positive reinforcement, avoid punishments |
| UTI | Startles easily, hides, or trembles | Visit vet for urinalysis |
| Incontinence | Leaks while sleeping or resting | Hormonal meds or dog diapers |
| Diabetes | Drinks/pees a lot, weight loss | Bloodwork and insulin if needed |
| Kidney Disease | Imaging from a vet specialist | Blood/urine tests and medical support |
| Ectopic Ureters | Leaking in young females, especially when excited | Avoid squatting or lifting leg, accidents near bedding |
| Neurological Issues | Confused posture, pees without awareness | Neurological exam |
| Arthritis | Pain management from the vet | Pain management from vet |
Behavioral vs. Medical Urination Causes
Final Thoughts
Want a calm dog and clean floors? Stay consistent, keep greetings chill, and always rule out medical causes early. It takes time, but you’re not alone.
Helping your dog stop peeing when excited isn’t about quick fixes; it’s about patience, timing, and building trust. Whether the issue is rooted in emotion or something medical, small changes to your routine can make a big difference. Keep your tone calm, offer clear guidance, and give your dog the chance to grow out of it with confidence. With time, the accidents stop, and the bond gets even stronger.
