I have a 8month old Female German Shepherd. Every time I walk up to her she pees. Sometime multiple times in a few seconds. She only does this for me, no one else in the family. How can I stop this?
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I have a 8month old Female German Shepherd. Every time I walk up to her she pees. Sometime multiple times in a few seconds. She only does this for me, no one else in the family. How can I stop this?
How long has she done this? Have you ever hit her or used force in any way when training?
Quote:
Originally Posted by dcdswilliams
I have had GSD, any number of them. Your dog is afraid of you and showing that she is submissive.
Just the usual smack when she did something wrong when we first got her, but she just started peeingQuote:
Originally Posted by Silverfoxkit
So how do I stop it?Quote:
Originally Posted by JudyKayTee
Reward her love and respect for you. Treat her well, even if she is peeing when she interacts with you. Ignore the pee and clean it up calmly when she isn't near. Don't approach her when she is on the carpet. When she is peeing in an appropriate place, pet and praise her like she just gave you a billion dollars. She will begin to understand that interaction with you equals praise and petting, or a treat. Peeing in appropriate places also wins your approval.
Remember that dogs, unlike many of us, do not need praise and approval all of the time. Don't feel like you're doing something wrong if you just go about your usual activities.
Well there's your problem. Stop using physical force with this dog. This is clearly a very sensitive dog and she is scared of you and the submissive urination is a sign of that. NEVER hit your dog for submissive urination as it will only reinforce the fear and behavior as well as being just down right cruel. You are going to have to rebuild your dogs faith in you. Don't make a big deal out of greeting your dog. The excitement in your voice and greeting can be a signal to your dog that he should submit to your entrance and respond with submissive urination. Just let your dog come to you. She will relax once he knows this is not a time for her to respond to dominant behavior by submissive urination.Quote:
Just the usual smack when she did something wrong
Quote:
Originally Posted by dcdswilliams
The usual smack? What did that entail? Whatever it was, it obviously made her afraid of you.
Now you have to rebuild her trust and confidence - and it takes a long time.
GSD's are one of the most sensitive breeds and many cannot tolerate physical reprimands without "shutting down". She is showing you that she is submissive--it is a acknowledgement that she perceives your status to be higher and your proper response is to not continue to be threatening.
Silverfox is right on target. Don't do direct greetings right now. Don't approach her directly--if you need to walk past her turn sideways and don't look at her.
Any interactions with her need to be low-key, quiet and indirect. Sit on the floor, turned slightly away from her, and allow her to come to you. Pet gently from under the chin, and make no eye contact. She is smart enough to figure out that you two are starting over, although it may take a while.
Get some good books and begin a lot of positive reinforcement training that will help her gain confidence.
German Shepherds are a balancing act. They need good, consistent and firm leadership, yet some of them become basket cases the second you become overly assertive. You have learned the hard way that physical correction is too much for this dog, and you will have to find that fine line of verbal and body language that will communicate discipline with confidence and trust.
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