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mpayne · Sep 28, 2011, 09:01 PM

I just recently adopted a cocker spaniel from a family, who I suspect did not treat her very well. Even though she is very happy here with us. Whenever we touch her or go to praise/take her outside/call her, she pees in little amounts. I'm not sure why, or what it is that is causing it. She is 2 years old.. and apparently is potty trained. Right now I've put her in diapers, because the cleaning has just become ridiculous! Any suggestions/answers?

shazamataz · Sep 28, 2011, 10:24 PM

Have you had her checked out by a vet? There may be an underlying medical problem to consider such as a UTI or even mild incontinence.

My suggestion towards shaping her behavior would be just to encourage her to come to you of her own free will. Sit down on the floor and hold some treats in your hand, wait for her to approach you and take the treats out of your hand. When she does just very softly praise her and let her walk away at her leasure. Don't touch her, just praise her for coming to you.

When she is comfortable walking up to you and taking the treats hold onto them next time so she has to nibble at them between your fingers. Gently pat her sides, back or chest (never her head) and again, gently praise.

Just build her up to more and more petting in different areas, all while distracting her with the treats. Once she is comfortable with you, get other family members to do the same.

If it does turn out to be peeing from being nervous allowing her to become more comfortable with you and your family should help.

paleophlatus · Sep 29, 2011, 01:35 PM

This is probably 'submissive urination', a part of the dog culture. It has more to do with being a dog than being abused, but any abuse (real or 'perceived) will make things worse. Some dogs will just roll over on their back, and the little boys will pee all over themselves when they get excited. (like 'Welcome home, dad. Glad to see you'... squirt, squirt).

I have no new suggestions on how to eliminate this, if there is a way. I think avoiding activities that precipitate it will probably be the approach you use. I also suspect that this is why the previous family allowed her to be adopted. Any unfortunate treatment she may have gotten there probably developed as a result of this and, fortunately, that family did the 'honorable' thing in rehoming her. Although I question the honor of it, if they failed to mention the real reason for their action.