[foo]

My dog is about 8ish months old now. Before I even say bad dog or NO or ANYTHING, she starts peeing on the ground & cowarding to the ground. I've never hit her. You can tell she knows when she does something bad (like tear up a pillow/blanket/couch pillow/etc). I can just look at her as soon as I get home, and bam she pees if she did something wrong, only if she tore something up.

I don't know what to do. Any ideas on how I would go about trying to get her to stop peeing? My vet has said it might possibly be signs of 'separation anxiety'. ..?

We do crate her 90% of the time when we are gone, but if it's for a short amount of time, we'll let her out for a hour or so alone. Most of the time she's a good dog, but it's just those few select times that she'll act out.

Thanks!

 

[Thracian]

How long have you had her? If you've had her a short time, she might be reacting to a previous owner. Or is it possible she has a urinary tract infection?

If you can rule those out, here are a few thoughts.

Before I even say bad dog or NO or ANYTHING, she starts peeing on the ground & cowarding to the ground. I've never hit her.

I believe you when you say you don't hit her. But a dog that cowers and pees when she sees you is a scared dog. So now you just have to figure out why she's scared. How do you react when you see destruction? Dogs are pretty smart--they can pick up on your emotions.

You can tell she knows when she does something bad (like tear up a pillow/blanket/couch pillow/etc).

I've heard people say this, but I believe what the dog really knows is that you're upset about something. She doesn't know why, because dogs don't have the same understanding as people. That's why trainers say not to respond to a dog's undesirable behavior if you don't catch her in the act. She will associate your response to her with what she is doing at that moment.

I can just look at her as soon as I get home, and bam she pees if she did something wrong, only if she tore something up.

This could be because you act differently if she doesn't tear things up. She's reacting to you. If she's a timid dog, even a stern look might be enough to cause her behavior.

Since she does well in a crate, I would use that ASAP, even for short trips.

Edited to add: I just noticed your avatar. This is the dog that someone left in the park with a note, right? Poor thing. In that case, I definitely think it's due to the previous owner. The owner probably made her very, very fearful. I would just take extra care when you come home. Give her treats and love so she'll eventually realize she doesn't need to be afraid of you.

 

[Curbside Prophet]

Your dog doesn't know she's done something bad. Dogs have no concept in the value of our materialistic things. She just knows you're upset, and no, you don't have to say a word for her to understand this. Your body language will give up all the signals she'll need to understand punishment is coming.

How do you curb this? Puppy proof your home. Employ the crate. Don't leave your dog unless you've drained her energy off with a walk. Give her something to do, like chewing on a frozen stuffed Kong. Build up her confidence - take up agility, teach her new tricks.

And, if she's done something wrong, do not acknowledge it at all. That means no punishment for owner-absent behavior.

 

[Renoman]

It definitely sounds like submissive urination.

When this happens, don't say a word, don't even acknowledge that it happened, as that will make it worse. Just clean it up and forget it.

Young dogs often exhibit this behavior and as I understand it, you found this dog in a park (good for you for taking her in) so it may take a while for her to feel comfortable and confident in her new environment.

If you've had her checked out thoroughly and there's no issues like UTI or bladder infection, then just let her be. She will outgrow this behavior, just give her time.

 

[foo]

Wow. THANK YOU ALL for the replies. Very good info there!!

I've had her for about 4-5months now. She is a very energetic dog. I'll just continue to crate her when we leave. At least, she doesn't tear her blankets in there up anymore. heh

I'll take all your comments/suggestions into consideration and try some of your ideas. Thanks again!!

 

[Thracian]

Young dogs often exhibit this behavior and as I understand it, you found this dog in a park (good for you for taking her in) so it may take a while for her to feel comfortable and confident in her new environment.

You said it better than I did.

 

[foo]

You said it better than I did.

Even after me having her for 4-5months?
This is my first dog..so I have no idea.