Puppy pees when she crawls

[lilbit]

My son in laws pit puppy will come to you when you call her name, but she crawls along the floor like she is in trouble and pees as she crawls. She is being very hard to housebreak too. She`s getting a little better, but why does she crawl and pee?

[Jenn Lewis, MS]

Hi lilbit,

Unfortunately, this behavior is known as submissive urination and is due to the dog/pup being afraid of people. Most dogs who exhibit this behavior with whom I have worked have been physically reprimanded and are thus fearful. The crawling behavior would also be a strong indication of this, as dogs will creep very low to the ground when they are trying to indicate submission. My advice would be to work with this puppy very gently and be patient. Make sure not to use scolding or punishment with housebreaking accidents. Use intense and exhuberant praise rather, when she does well and goes potty outside. Any scolding will only confuse her and make the submissive urination problem worse.
-Jenn
www.pandoraspetservices.com

[lilbit]

Thank you. I kinda figured that was what it was. He is pretty mean when he tries to house break her. I wish he wouldn`t be that way. You have any suggestions on how to get HIM to be nicer to the puppy?

[Jenn Lewis, MS]

Hi lilbit,

It's always tough to get humans to change their ways...especially when they think they're right
A couple suggestions though:
1) Advising him that his behavior will make matters WORSE and lead to more problems with her down the line.
2) Seeking the help of a professional to help get the message accross. Even providing a book that speaks to the proper way to housebreak often helps (that way the info is not seen as coming just from you). My book (The Human Pack) has a section on proper housebreaking methods but there are many great books out there that should help.

Hope that helps
-Jenn

www.pandoraspetservices.com