- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
It’s no secret that dogs love to be around their humans. But when they wait on the bathmat while you shower, watch you while you brush your teeth, or even lay on the bathroom floor while you, ahem, do your business, it raises some unique questions. Is it normal? What’s going on in their heads?
To help us understand this quirk, we spoke with fear-free certified dog trainer Kim Wegel to explore why our furry companions insist on being bathroom buddies. We’ll help you determine why your pup just can’t let you pee in peace.
Reasons Your Dog Follows You to the Bathroom
Your dog’s habit of following you into the bathroom might seem odd, but it’s a surprisingly common behavior. Here are some of the top reasons you have a bathroom buddy—and why your dog might choose you over other family members to follow.
Social company: they’re attached to you
Most dogs are naturally social creatures and feel secure when they’re with their favorite human. If your dog is particularly attached to you, they may follow you everywhere, including the bathroom. This kind of behavior is common in dogs with strong bonds to one person in the household, often the one who spends the most time with them.
Habit: it’s what they’ve learned
If your dog has been allowed to follow you around since puppyhood, they might think it’s just part of the routine. Dogs thrive on familiar patterns, so if following you into the bathroom was never discouraged, they’ll happily continue.
Curiosity: what’s behind that closed door?
“Typically, in a multi-person household, we close the bathroom door upon entry. This may increase our dogs’ curiosity about what’s happening in there,” says Wegel.
The unusual noises of a flushing toilet or running water might spark their curiosity as well.
Breed traits: clingy dogs love to stick close
Some breeds are known for their “velcro dog” tendencies, such as Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, or Vizlas. If you own one of these loyal breeds, they’re likely to shadow your every move.
Does your dog show a greater attachment to one particular household member than other? Wegel says that can also be a breed-specific tendency.
Anticipation: the bathroom might lead to treats or baths
If you’ve ever rewarded your dog with a treat or affection while you were in the bathroom, your dog may follow you out of pure anticipation. They might also associate the bathroom with fun bath time. Dogs remember where good things happen and may hope for a repeat!
SolStock via iStock
Why Do Dogs Like the Bathroom?
For dogs, the bathroom can be a treasure trove of interesting smells and fun features. Here are some other reasons why this room might hold a special appeal for your furry friend:
- Soundproof. Bathrooms are often designed to be more soundproof than other rooms. For dogs, this can feel like a safe haven, especially if they’re sensitive to loud noises or chaotic household activity.
- Interesting smells. From soaps and shampoos to the distinct smell of the toilet, the bathroom can be an olfactory adventure for your dog. Studies show that familiar scents activate a reward response in dogs, so they might enjoy going in the bathroom because the smells are a positive association.
- Cool, comfortable floors. The cool tile or linoleum floor in a bathroom can be particularly inviting for dogs, especially on hot days. So if you’re ever wondering why your dog follows you to the bathroom and lays down, it’s likely because it’s the perfect place for them to stretch out and get cool.
- Water access. Some pups are fascinated by the toilet bowl and enjoy drinking from it (even if they’re not supposed to).
If your dog’s bathroom visits start to feel overwhelming, you can work on gently training them to stay out of that particular room.
“Establish a routine and be consistent around it,” suggests Wegel. “Don’t allow your dog in the bathroom by consistently shutting the door and/or using a baby gate to block the entrance. This eliminates confusion about when and whether it is sometimes okay for them to go in.”
K_Thalhofer via iStock
Debunking Myths
When it comes to understanding why dogs follow us into the bathroom, some theories out there miss the mark. Let’s clear up a few common misconceptions.
It’s an “alpha” thing
One popular myth is that dogs follow their owners to the bathroom because they see themselves as the “alpha” and want to protect you while you’re vulnerable. This idea comes from outdated dominance theories that have been largely debunked by modern animal behaviorists.
Dogs probably don’t operate on a strict pack hierarchy with humans. Their behavior is more likely driven by affection, curiosity, or routine than a desire to assert dominance or guard you.
They’re returning the favor
Another common belief is that dogs follow you into the bathroom because you’re always with them when they do their business outside.
While it’s true that dogs notice patterns and routines, it’s unlikely that they’re trying to copy your behavior. Instead, it’s more about their natural tendency to stay close to the person they feel safest with—you!
It’s a sign of separation anxiety
While separation anxiety can cause some dogs to become overly clingy, following you to the bathroom isn’t necessarily a red flag. Many dogs do this out of simple curiosity or because they enjoy your company, not because they’re experiencing distress.
If your dog shows other signs of anxiety, like excessive barking or destructive behavior when left alone, that’s when it’s worth investigating further.
“If you notice that your dog is intolerant of your absences, even if they’re very brief, you should seek professional help,” adds Wegel.
Your dog’s bathroom buddy behavior may be puzzling, but it’s probably just their way of saying they love you!
