Too Submissive Dog!

[stanford189]

My dog is so submissive that any time i go to hook him up to the leash for a walk, he urinates. I dont hover over him, i get down to his level, and the only way i can hook him up to the leash is if i distract him with him eatting his meds. Any ideas?

[MissDolittle]

Hi standford and welcome on board!

Interesting issue you have there. Let me ask you, where is the tail of the dog positioned? Is it between the legs or straight up? Is it wagging or not? What type of dog is it? How old?

Honestly, I don't think the peeing has anything to do with submission..rather with fear or misdirected excitement.

[stanford189]

His tail is never between the legs. He will wag his tail at times but once i step down to his level everything stops. His head goes down and he sits down in a position to where he is going to pee. Note: He was possibly abused before i got him. But he trusts me and he is getting socialized with people and other dogs. He is a Long-Haired Dacshund (Neutered at the age of 3) and he just turned 4. I have been watching the dog whisperer to see if this case has ever been addressed so i figured id try to ask other people. The only episode that came close that i tried on my dog was to keep lifting his tail and head so that he feels more confident. This is extremly hard to practice because if i even touch him without the leash even near me he will still pee.

[MissDolittle]

That is really hard to determine when you can't see the entire ritual, his body language and yours too. Usually it's a small lil thing or a combination of tiny pieces, that when put together make you go "duh" lol. I'd wish I had a better answer for you.

Is there any way you could film that?

[stanford189]

Yea i just sold my video camera! :( I can ask if i can borrow one from someone. Are you a dog trainer or something?

Please ask around, and see if anyone can help me. Ill let you know if i can catch it on film.

Thank You so much for your help.

[MissDolittle]

No, I'm not a certified dog trainer, but I have nearly 40 years of experience with dogs..I learned a thing or 2 :).