How to Stop Excitement Peeing in Dogs

Excitement peeing in dogs is a common issue, especially among puppies and young dogs. It occurs when a dog loses control of its bladder during moments of high excitement, such as greetings, playtime, or when meeting new people. Unlike submissive urination, which is triggered by nervousness or fear, excitement peeing happens purely from overstimulation.

Why Does It Happen? Several factors contribute to excitement peeing in dogs:

• Lack of Bladder Control – Puppies and young dogs have underdeveloped bladder muscles, making accidents more likely.
• Overstimulation – High-energy greetings and interactions can trigger bladder release.
• Learned Behavior – If excitement peeing has been inadvertently reinforced by excited reactions from owners, it may continue longer than necessary.
• Possible Medical Issues – While rare, urinary tract infections or bladder weakness could be a contributing factor.

Training for Calm Greetings One of the most effective ways to stop excitement peeing is to teach calm greetings. Dogs that stay relaxed during interactions are less likely to have accidents.

• Ignore Excited Behavior – When you enter your home, avoid acknowledging your dog until they settle.
• Keep Greetings Low-Key – Use a calm voice and slow movements instead of encouraging high-energy responses.
• Train a Sit Command – Teach your dog to sit before receiving attention or petting.
• Practice Controlled Greetings – Have friends and family enter the home repeatedly while reinforcing calm behavior.

Improving Bladder Control Building stronger bladder control can reduce the likelihood of accidents.

• Take Frequent Potty Breaks – Give your dog opportunities to relieve itself before moments of high excitement.
• Track Patterns – Observe when accidents are most likely to happen and proactively take them outside beforehand.
• Gradually Extend Holding Time – Slowly increase the time between potty breaks to help strengthen bladder muscles.

Desensitizing to Exciting Situations Reducing your dog’s reactivity to excitement triggers can make a big difference.

• Expose Them to Triggers Gradually – Introduce exciting situations in a controlled manner, rewarding calm behavior.
• Teach Settling Techniques – Encourage your dog to stay in a designated spot when guests arrive.
• Limit Excessive Stimulation – Reduce highly energetic interactions, especially right after arriving home.

Setting Up the Environment for Success Modifying the environment can help prevent accidents while training is in progress.

• Create a Calm Entry Routine – Have guests ignore your dog upon entering until they calm down.
• Use Waterproof Mats or Training Pads – Temporary solutions can make clean-up easier in high-traffic areas.
• Give Your Dog a Designated Greeting Area – A familiar, calm spot can help reinforce expected behaviors.

Building Confidence to Prevent Submissive Urination If submissive behavior overlaps with excitement peeing, confidence-building exercises can help.

• Encourage Independence – Allow your dog to engage in solo play and problem-solving activities.
• Avoid Scolding Accidents – Negative reinforcement can make the issue worse by increasing anxiety.
• Use Positive Reinforcement – Reward calm and confident behaviors with treats and praise.

When to Consult a Vet If excitement peeing continues despite training, it may be time to see a veterinarian.

• If your dog is over 12 months old and still frequently having accidents.
• If peeing occurs even when the dog is not excited.
• If a spayed female experiences sudden bladder control issues, which could indicate a hormonal imbalance.

How Long Does It Take to Fix? Every dog is different, but with consistent training, most puppies outgrow excitement peeing by six months to a year. Older dogs may take longer, but calm training techniques and environmental adjustments can still be effective.