Small dog wees when visitors arrive - 2009-07-18

Question

I have a small female Maltese shitshu who is normally very well behaved and is trained well. She becomes very excited when visitors arrive and can't help but pee herself. How can I stop her from peeing when visitors arrive as it is very embarrassing.

Answer

This often happens with younger and highly strung dogs. Especially if the visitors have height and a big voice – it often happens more with males than female as the weeing is a sign of submission. With age the dog will get more bladder control and if you ask your visitors NOT to interact with the dog when they arrive, or to create excitement, it will all settle down. If really bad, make sure that the dog has been toileted before you know that your visitors arrive. Another option would be to have the dog on the leash when people arrive, this has often a good calming effect. The ignoring when arriving will be the best treatment.