At what age do dogs gain full bladder control?

Mine is almost 2 years old and she still pees a little bit when she gets really excited. Shouldn’t that have stopped by now? When I go to get her nails clipped, I’ll ask the vet too.

My dog used to do this too (he is 1 year old and only does it rarely now). It may be happening for a few reasons but I would think (as in my case) its submissive urination.

Some dogs will do this their entire life, some will grow out of it between 6months-1.5 years+.

"In submissive or excitement urination, a puppy urinates when approached or during greetings. The pup often takes a submissive posture, such as holding its ears back, avoiding eye contact, cowering, lowering its body, or even turning onto its back."

If this is so:
•Begin by letting your dog approach you, rather than you approaching your dog.
•Kneel down to the dog’s level (rather than standing over the dog).
•Speak softly in a low, calm tone.
•Pet your dog’s chest instead of its head.

You also have to understand that the pup has probably been "holding it" for a few hours by the time this happens. What I did to fix this problem was when I get home I totally ignore my dog, I set my purse down, let the dog out of my room (if you use a kennel you can let him out of there) and go striat to the door and let the dog outside, dont look or talk to the dog during this time. Go outside and let him pee then lots of praise and love, back inside for some play.

When I walk in the door now he has more self controle, I put my stuff down and while I do this he comes and sits in front on me and waits to be pet. (Haveing them sit is also helpful since they are less likely to pee in a sit than if they were standing.) Then I pet him and say "lets go outside" or "gotta go potty? outside" in a happy voice. They will learn that "outside" means they are going out and will be able to pee which helps them to "hold it" too I think.

Hope this helped!

More info: (copy and paste links dont work for level 1)
http://www.smalldogsparadise.com/dog-behavior/how-to-eliminate-submissive-urination-problem/

2 Responses

  1. Guardian Magnificent Cane Corso Says:

    6 months old or a little older.
    References :

  2. Amanda Says:

    My dog used to do this too (he is 1 year old and only does it rarely now). It may be happening for a few reasons but I would think (as in my case) its submissive urination.

    Some dogs will do this their entire life, some will grow out of it between 6months-1.5 years+.

    "In submissive or excitement urination, a puppy urinates when approached or during greetings. The pup often takes a submissive posture, such as holding its ears back, avoiding eye contact, cowering, lowering its body, or even turning onto its back."

    If this is so:
    •Begin by letting your dog approach you, rather than you approaching your dog.
    •Kneel down to the dog’s level (rather than standing over the dog).
    •Speak softly in a low, calm tone.
    •Pet your dog’s chest instead of its head.

    You also have to understand that the pup has probably been "holding it" for a few hours by the time this happens. What I did to fix this problem was when I get home I totally ignore my dog, I set my purse down, let the dog out of my room (if you use a kennel you can let him out of there) and go striat to the door and let the dog outside, dont look or talk to the dog during this time. Go outside and let him pee then lots of praise and love, back inside for some play.

    When I walk in the door now he has more self controle, I put my stuff down and while I do this he comes and sits in front on me and waits to be pet. (Haveing them sit is also helpful since they are less likely to pee in a sit than if they were standing.) Then I pet him and say "lets go outside" or "gotta go potty? outside" in a happy voice. They will learn that "outside" means they are going out and will be able to pee which helps them to "hold it" too I think.

    Hope this helped!

    More info: (copy and paste links dont work for level 1)
    http://www.smalldogsparadise.com/dog-behavior/how-to-eliminate-submissive-urination-problem/
    References :

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