Dog is Peeing for Attention – Why & What to Do Next

Dogs can sometimes engage in unwanted behavior like peeing for attention and it’s up to us as pet owners to guide them in the right direction without punishing them. Here are some steps we recommend for pet owners who have dogs that pee for attention.

Figure Out Why Dog is Peeing for Attention

Peeing for attention is likely to be a learned behavior. Over time, your dog may have learned that he will be able to get your attention (good or bad) if he pees in front of you. If that is the case, it may mean that you haven’t been giving your dog enough attention. Your dog might be bored or stressed because he isn’t getting his daily mental or physical exercise for example.

Think about your dog’s lifestyle and whether you are really meeting the needs a dog typically requires. A happy and satisfied dog will be less likely to engage in poor behaviors like peeing for attention. Never get angry at your dog as that will most likely be counter-intuitive.

Rule Out Submissive Urinations

There can be cases when dogs aren’t able to control their urination. It’s compulsive and the dog can’t help but pee in certain situations such as when they are over-excited or nervous. The dog might not be peeing for attention. It might be peeing in reaction to something and it just happens to be while you are looking at the dog.

There are ways to train a dog with submissive urination problems, such as redirecting their attention to something else when you think they are about to pee. This might not always work, however, as submissive urination may also occur due to medical problems.

Make Sure Your Dog isn’t Sick

Sometimes, unwanted peeing behaviors can occur due to health problems. It may be worthwhile having a health assessment with the vet if you notice other concerning behaviors and symptoms from your dog. Urinary tract infections (UTI), for example, may cause dogs to pee without realizing it.