Relapse In Toilet Training Or Bad Behaviour?

[Jessie's Girl]

My 18 month old GSP has been house trained for atleast 6 months now, I couldn't remeber the last time he pee'd inside, until recently...

On 3 different occasions in the last few months whils at work I have had calls from my partner informing me that our boy has pee'd inside. Apparently each time my partner way patting him and then realised there was a wet spot under them.

As I was not there I can't be 100% sure but I feel like it might be some stress/excitment incontince.

The interesting thing being that it is only my partner that sets off the incontinence and he therefore feels the dog is misbehaving for him.

I understand that dogs can have toilet training relapses around this time, but these circumstances seem so specific.

Does anyone have any similar past experinces, opinions or advice?

[Aussienot]

It could be submissive urination rather than a break in toilet training. When a young dog feels a need to show that they are no danger to a larger, stronger and more dominant presence, submissive urination can be a reflex response. It is not 'disobedience'.

What is the relationship like between your partner and your dog?

Edited May 18, 2010 by Aussienot

[Loves Dogs]

My male did this too a few times after my partner had told him off for chewing up multiple pairs of thongs and expensive plants. I agree with the last entry in saying its not disobedient just being submissive

[Aussienot]

This link offers a good explanation and solutions. Submissive urination

As the article states, you should have the dog checked by a veterinarian before undertaking behaviour modification.

The solution involves your partner interacting with the dog in a more positive manner. This could be one of those 'dog' training problems that is really a people training problem.

[Jessie's Girl]

My partner has a good relationship with the dog.

The dog tends to obey him more than me and although our dog is very jumpy and often timid in front of strangers he is only very seldom timid around my partner, normally after he has been away for work.

Submissive urination does should like a close diagnosis, althoughlike i mentioned the situation is normally a calm and positive one. Poor puppy.

Thanks guys, We'll get straight to people training haha