9 month old puppy dribbles pee? Is it normal?

[ApplesvsPears]

Hi, my 9 month old puppy will sometimes dribble a bit of pee and then run to the door and wait for me to open it to let him out and he will then go pee outside. I’m just concerned because why is he not registering he needs to pee before a bit comes out? He does obviously then hold it and run to the door to let me know he needs to go but at that age shouldn’t he know before he lets a bit out? Or is this normal at all?

I took him to the vet who just said “behavioural” and that’s it! Simply because it wasn’t an infection… he’s fully toilet trained and doesn’t have any actual accidents and like I say, when he notices, he instantly runs to the door and waits to go pee when let out and seems sheepish about it happening… so I do feel he can’t help it.

it’s only a small amount but ideally would rather get it sorted

Is it excitement? Does he do it all the time?

Take him out more often before he is busting

Don’t think it’s excitement as this can be at any stage of the day with nothing particularly interesting going on. It’s not ever single time but it’s definitely a couple times a day

he can go out whenever he needs, he just has to go to the door and I’ll open it, I’m not forcing him to stay inside and hold his pee

As the vet said there is no medical reason I would suggest that you take a step back in training and do regular toilet breaks at fixed times during the day.

he can go out whenever he needs, he just has to go to the door and I’ll open it, I’m not forcing him to stay inside and hold his pee

When mine was that age I still took him out at regular intervals even though he didn't ask.

It doesn't sound medical if he only ever does it just before asking to go to the toilet - definitely more behavioural.

Being pedantic it is not really behavioural. Behavioural usually means emotional connection.

It sounds pretty physical, he is busting for a wee. He needs a wee he is a young dog and cannot hold it when he realises he needs to go (like many young mammals) As long as he is not pushed to being so desperate eg take him out more often he will not dribble

My pup would be running around like a loon, go 'I need a wee now!!!!!' and dash to the door and 9/10 we'd get her out in time. That was on top of regular trips. She sometimes does it now at 12 months if she's lost her head for any reason and has a full bladder but she is better.

They don't learn to hold it for a while IME of both puppies and older rescues who are not toilet trained.