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Hello -

submissive peeing in an adult dog can represent a lack of self-confidence. 

There's a couple of things you can do that will help him immediately: 

1.  Avoid leaning over him or putting your hands on top of him, especially when greeting him.  Instead, get down on his level and pat his chest so your hands go under his chin and face.  Instruct visitors to do the same. 

2.  Never scold him for peeing - it just makes him feel more submissive.

3.  When coming into the house after an absense, wait two minutes before greeting him, so he has time to get less excited.  Peeing is often related to overexcitement.  Avoid greeting him right at the doorway, which dog's associate with excitement.

It's good that you recognize that this is a submissive behavior, as opposed to something he is doing against you.  It's actually a compliment in a weird, doggy way.

Have you talked to the vet about his condition?  Sometimes there is medication that can strengthen the muscles around the bladder.

And training will help boost his confidence.  When dogs learn how to communicate better and what to expect from you, it makes their lives easier and they become more confident.  I offer private lessons and group classes to help deal with obedience and behavioral issues. Training will also improve self-control (which most 18month old dogs need!).

Hope this helps!

Thanks for inquiring. How long have you had the dog? Has the dog always done this? Was the dog a rescue, and if so  does he have a known history?  Does the dog display any other submissive traits? Provided this is not a medical issue and a matter of weak nerves from past abuse, here are some tips that may help. A dog like this reqires a low key atmosphere without loud voices i.e. yelling (even at the television when our fav. team is losing) arguing etc. As well, when greeting the dog for the first time of the day, whether coming down in the morming, letting him out of the crate, coming home from work etc. no eye contact. no voice, to touching. bring him out the door and let him do his business, them initiate some play with a ball or toy you can throw. I can't tell much with out seeing the dog, or the relationship you and the family( if any) have with him. These are general suggestions to avoid emotion out of the dog. Keep everything failry low key and emotionless, let him come to you for affection. don't approach him for a whie.forcing affection never works. If you want to email me directly feel free. here is my web site. DPDOGTRAINING.COM

Frank

To fix this problem, we need to understand it's source. Your "teenager" is nervous. He is a softy, obviously, and comes in peace. He is simply responding (strongly) to the messages humans are sending him. Don't make the, very common, mistake using words and love to show you come in peace. That's how humans communicate to other humans. Dogs use postures and tone.

Remember 2 things to fix this issue- #1- if the dog is walking, he cant pee. When applicable, say hello and pet him while walking. You'd simply be making it physically hard for him to urinate. Hopefully, this will be a habit (muscle memory) that his body assumes. #2- he is reacting to the fact that when people greet a dog, they often, unknowingly, immitate the body language of a very dominant dog.  Direct, prolonged eye contact, advancing toward or asserting one's self when the advancment goes unreciprocated, standing over, and/or ignoring the dog's "I'd rather you didn't pet me" signals are ALL violations of a peaceful greeting, and are making him feel threatened enough to send a powerful counter-signal. Try not looking directly at him, kneeling down and not reaching out to him until he pets you first. Yes... I said it. Let the dog inspect you, and drop your agenda. Must people pet him? When he sees that we accept his application for lower status, he will calm his nerves because we told him, in his language, that WE are secure with who he is, hence he will be too. Once he is eager to say hello to the individual first, then, GRADUALLY start to assert your status through your "hello". And don't forget... licking your lips and fake yawns are ways dogs tell each other that they are in a calm mood and do not have any challenging intentions. Try them... you'll be surprised!

Because this is a nervous issue, any scolding or attention being paid to the urination itself will make the problem worse, because you'll just be making him worry about saying "hello". He's unaware that he's urinating, and already telling you he comes in peace. He should be even more nervous next time. Feel free to call me on this kinda' behavior stuff. I love discussing communication and body language. I specialize in it!