Question: I read and enjoy your articles in Woods N Waters magazine. I wondered if you could help me with a problem that I have with our new puppy. We have a five-year-old male Lab that is the best dog I've ever had or hunted over. Five weeks ago, we got a seven-week-old female lab. At twelve weeks, she is learning the basics; sit, stay, come. She has her own crate to be kept in throughout the day when we aren't home.

    My daughter is the first one home. She lets her outside to do her business, but when I get home and both dogs meet me at the door, happy to see me as usual, the puppy always relieves herself when I bend down to greet her. She does have the house training down pretty good. Why does she do this and will it stop? I don't remember any of the dogs I've had doing this. What should I do?

Dean S.

Answer: I would see your vet for a check-up to make sure that there are no health issues first. Your pup is going through a submissive period and sees you as the dominate one in your house. You should let her outside when you get home and pet her there. I think that this will go away with age, but recommend that you take her outside alone for some rough-housing and physical play on a regular basis. She needs to gain confidence. Also, try using a higher-pitched voice with her for a while.

Charlie Linblade

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