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Archived Message

ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
by Talany

I'm curious to know if anyone else has experienced this problem. My 3 yr.old female has a leakage of urine whenever we try to pick her up, or bend down to pet her. When she doesn't "tinkle" she's always checking herself. My vet says it's because she is submissive, but she only started doing this after the age of two. Any suggestions? I can't scold her but do tell her in a strong voice that it is not right to do, but I can't break her of this habit.

DISCUSSION:

Hi,I have a female Maltese whom is almost 1 1/2 yrs. I acquired her at almost 7 months. I can tell you in my situation that very often when going to pick her up for whatever reason she is not sure of what is going to happen to her and leaks urine. In my situation I believe it is how she was raised for the 1st 7 months of her life before I got her. She was never truly loved that much. I never ever scold her cause she cant help it and does it out of fear.When my husband and I were away for a vacation I took Molly and my other Maltese to stay with family and though she was constantly loved she was still scared and each time someone bent down to pick her up, she would leak. She only weighs 3 1/2 lbs but that has nothing to do with it she is perfectly healthy. Since she has been with us for almost a yr it is very seldom that it happens but on occasion it will. I feel sad for her that she feels unsure of or frightened of what may occur. As I said earlier, I do nothing except to keep reinforcing how much she is loved.
-Pat

Hello! I have had the same problem with Ellii, she is only 6 months old however. I asked my vet about it and she too said it was a submisive thing. She also told me that I should NEVER scold her for it in ANY way or that it will become worse. Now when I go to pick her up, I pause for a few seconds so she can regain her 'composure'. This has been working very well. She rarely does it anymore. Hope this helps. Jeannie
-Jeannie