My doxie pees when we come home and greet him or when visitors come to our home. We can't take him anywhere because of this habit and it's very disruptive when we have guests. We asks guests not to acknowledge him until he's calmed down but he still pees even though they wait to acknowledge him. If I put him in his kennel when guests arrive he whines incessantly. Any suggestions???
Urination at greetings (often referred to as submissive urination) is an appeasement gesture. It's pretty common in puppies, and most grow out of it, but some dogs continue to adulthood or develop the behavior later on. Dogs tend to do it when they're nervous, confused, or excited, perhaps to the point of being a little overwhelmed, and want to please you. It's like them bending over backwards to make sure they're showing respect, but unfortunately how dogs show respect is not always socially appropriate around people.
Never punish him when he does this - that's essentially telling him "I'm not pleased with your current performance, you'll have to do better" and often just makes the problem worse. They assume they have to be even more deferential at greetings, which means more stress and more peeing. Instead, work on building his confidence and give him something to do that will help him feel more relaxed and self-assured. Maybe instead of usual greetings, guests can toss him treats, or throw a ball for him. Sometimes how you approach a dog (especially a small dog) can make a big difference. Sit down on the floor and let him come to you rather than bending over to greet him. Immediately clip on his leash or let him out in the yard and do your greetings somewhere pee-appropriate. Train him to go into his kennel and give him a stuffed Kong or other long-lasting treat to keep him occupied until he and the guests are settled.
You may also want to try a belly band with him while working on the issue to prevent messes. It may actually discourage him from going in the first place.
It sounds like he urinates due to excitement. You might already have started this, but try to take your doxie out right before you go and as soon as you can after returning, and try to leave and return as quietly as possible. While you continue to work with him, you might get belly bands (sold online & retail) to wrap around him, so you can go places without him urinating. With belly bands, once the dog realizes they'll be damp, they usually try to not urinate while wearing.
We adopted a 2 yr old terrier mix last Jan. Once he settled in he would do that when my husband came home from work. He would be so excited he couldn't contain himself. He would see me clean up after him and acted so ashamed. I would take him out to greet outside and after a few times of that he stopped loosing control in the house.
You didn't say how old your Doxie is. Puppies usually outgrow this with bladder control and gained confidence through proper training and socializing. If he is an adult, the belly band is probably the way to go -- for now. Even if you crate him during arrivals I suspect he pees once you let him out anyway. As mentioned above, this is Submissive Urination. Here are some tips & things to get started on asap. http://m.humanesociety.org/animals/do...
I think it has something to do with excitement from being around other people. Especially since it mite be a puppy.