Expert: Delores Beck - 1/15/2010

Question
we have a 10 month old female cockerpoo who is all housetrained with the exception of greeting people when they come to visit or my husband and I after we have been out.  We cannot seem to fine a way to break her of this habit.  Would appreciate any advise or help.  Thanks.

Answer
It's not really a "habit" but rather something she can't help for the moment.  The more you scold or correct the worse it will be since excitement/stress causes "nervous tinkling".  

The only thing to do is know it's going to happen - have some paper towel handy and clean it up.
I'd say in another couple of months this will stop on its' own.  The problem with trying to correct it is that she has no idea she's doing it.

If you know guests are coming, make sure she's had a nice walk beforehand.  When you come in - sail right past her and don't pay attention until she's calmed down a bit.  She's still very much a puppy but will outgrow this.  I promise :)
Delores