In November I got a 19 month rescue dog who is an absolute dream. We have one problem that we just don't know how to get over, and that is when we return from a short trip out she gets so excited when my husband says hello she wets herself. I go through to the back and let her out, not particularly making a fuss (we are having a problem with separation anxiety too), and all is fine. When she sees my husband she wets herself in short bursts until her bladder is empty. She has been neutered, and I don't know if this is an added factor, but this has only been happening for the last three weeks or so. If I'm out and my husband deals with her on his own she doesn't wet at all - any advice?
Help!!!!
Dianne
:o

Hi Dianne,
My old labrador bitch used to do this when we got home - it's involuntary so please ignore it. She's just so pleased to see you again she literally can't contain herself! Our bitch grew out of it, and until then we made sure she was always outside when we greeted her...we'd open the backdoor and call her outside, so it didn't matter if she puddled. The calmer you can be with her, the more relaxed she'll become and then I'm sure she'll improve.

Of course if you're worried you should get your vet to check that she hasn't got any urinary infection, but I would guess this is purely down to her pleasure at seeing you again. She may be going through a fearful, unsettled phase where she's not completely sure of her security with you, so make sure you don't overindulge her - just treat her as normal, carrying on your basic training, and she'll settle again soon.

Hope this helps, Good luck :)

Hi Dianne

My eight month old pup also started doing this a couple of months ago, even though my husband is home with her all day. The advice I got was to ignore her when I came in until she settled down. So now I come in totally ignore her and go straight to the garden and let her out. She relieves herself immediately, then when she comes in I give her all the hugs and kisses she wants. This has really worked. I'm sure with maturity she will eventually grow out of it, hopefully:D

Lube