Submissive Urinator

[Micky Moo]

I have a Tibetan Spaniel who has just turned 6 months old. Since the day we brought her home she has been a submissive unrinater. When she got/gets excited when meeting family and friends or meeting someone new, she seems to have no control of her bladder and just floods the place. This is a first for me, so I have not had any experience with this trait before.
I have ignored the behaviour as I did not want it to become a neurosis for her. She is for all intents and purposes house trained and goes outside to her potty for wees and poos, so it's a little disheartening when she pees every time someone comes over.
I was wondering whether putting her on the leash when people arrive and waiting for all the excitement to settle before letting her off the leash would be beneficial, I also thought of letting visitors ignore her until she settles down so the excitement is dissappated. Anyone with any suggestions, I don't want to be cleaning wee up for the rest of my life when we have visitors. Is there a chance she will grow out of it? I am training her to sit on her own mat when someone knocks on the door, but as you know training is a slow, consistent process and I don't expect her to 'get it' for some time.
Am I doing the right thing?

Micky Moo

[Sarah]

You are doing all the right things, and yes it is possible she will grow out of it.

It shouldn't take you weeks, it should only take a day or so, depending on how many visitors you have. Maybe you can schedule a day and practice all day long... If you only do it once, then don't have visitors for another week, it may take longer for her to get it. When she is good, make sure you give you a lot of praise, so she knows that what she is doing is pleasing you.

[Micky Moo]

Thanx for your advice Sarah, I really appreciate it. It just happened by accident, but we had about 11 visitors in one day last weekend. I put Bella on the leash and asked everyone who came in to ignore her until she had got over her excitement. When she finally settled down (which was not too long), I let her off the leash and she went round and greeted each person one by one, I did notice that she seemed more submissive of men than women, and again even more so if someone standing, bent over to pet her (she's only 25cm tall). She did not urinate once until my sister, (who has quite a dominant demeanor) called her and picked her up, then the flood gates opened. She doesn't see my sister very often, so does not know her very well.
I do use positive reinforcement all the time with small treats, the only negative she get's (and it works) is "ah ah' or a firm "no", i have used this as a correction since she was a small pup and have now found that she responds to it really well, but I always like to finish with praise. Like the saying goes "Always set your dog up for success, not failure!"
I socialize her as much as I can, (I live in an over 45 village) she sees all sorts of different things everyday as I take her out on my gopher (she walks next to it or rides between my feet). She loves other dogs and has learned "doggy language" very well as she is normally submissive when she meets a new dog.
I'll just keep at it, it's all to do with consistency, isn't it?

[Sarah]

Yes, consistency is the key as well as patience and time with her. If you were only 25cm tall, and had someone towering over you, would you not be submissive also? lol It's pretty scary for her when someone is so dominant as that.

You are doing an excellent job, keep it up!