Question:

Ignore him and let him come to you.  Initial interactions outside so peeing won’t matter.  Don’t bend over dog, kneel down to be less threatening.  Don’t holler when he submissive pees, but grumble as you clean it up.  Keep happy light voice when interacting. Also, if you are hollering at anyone or anything else (ballgame, kids, etc) dogs will begin to get submissive to avoid your ‘perceived’ wrath. Also, watch your body language – a happy voice won’t cut it if your body language tells the dog you are 1)boss, and 2)very unhappy. Have you obedience trained dog?  Try motivational obedience training and see if it gives dogs more confidence.  Notice I said motivational – not jerk and pop methods for these guys. Best wishes.

Response:

Every book I read on dog behavior emphasizes how to establish a dominant relationship with your pet.  I have exactly the opposite problem.   I have two keeshonden.  The male (1 y.o.) we raised from a pup.  The female (2 y.o.) we adopted.  I’m afraid she had a rough time before we got her, and she is extremely submissive, and she occasionally urinates when I come near (I’m the alpha according to them.  My wife has other ideas).  But this is *not* my problem. My problem is the male, who within the last few weeks has started peeing in the house again.  When it first started, I thought it was just forgetfulness, and I sort of scolded him, stomped my feet, etc. However, I was very wrong.  The poor goof has become terrified of me. Every time I do as much as put a leash on him, it’s Niagara falls. I’ve even (and I am only slightly ashamed to admit this) lain down on the floor with my paws up and my throat exposed, and slithered over to him whimpering, looking away, and trying to be generally unthreatening.  The result?  I got peed on.  Twice.  Did I yell?  No. Did I scold him?  No.  I just begged him to stop peeing.  The result? I can’t even walk into the room. I guess I can sum up my message rather succintly.  HELP!!!

Response: