Dogs are known for being great companions, faithful furry friends, and amazing protectors when needed. Dog owners know that no matter how dangerous and big the dog may be, they sometimes may act weird and silly.
As expected, what is normal for humans, isn’t necessarily normal for dogs, and vice versa.
How many people do you know that love spending hours in the mud, chasing a squirrel, or simply making a lot of noise without reason? This and much more is exactly what dogs do.
They sometimes do unusual things from our perspective. However, from their point of view, everything they do is natural.
One of the most unusual things that dog practice daily is to follow their owners into the bathroom. Of course, this isn’t something that’s common in every dog, but it still happens in large percent.
So, if your dog follows you into the bathroom, you should know that’s normal. The reasons for this are many, and they make a lot of sense.
This Is Why Dogs Follow You Into The Bathroom
So, you are just about to open the bathroom door and hear the tap-tap of doggy toenails on the tile or hardwood floor- does this sound familiar?
Maybe your canine is more prone to waiting for you on the bathmat while you shower, or perhaps he watches you while you brush your teeth?
Some dogs are so ready to follow you everywhere that they are ready to follow you every second of the day. Dogs love to be around us, and they are willing to do their best never to leave you alone.
Since dogs love to be part of the pack, it seems logical that they follow us even to the bathroom, right?
At first, it may seem like so, but there are more reasons for this behavior in reality.
Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why dog keeps following you into the bathroom – and everywhere else, actually.
1. Socialization
If you have just welcomed a puppy into your home or adopted an adult dog, you may expect to see them every time you turn around. Puppies are especially accustomed to being with you all the time.
Puppies can even imprint on people by choosing one person that will be their person in the first few months of their life.
So, if a puppy has imprinted on you, no wonder that you see those puppy eyes all the time, and in every situation.
Dogs love to be close to those they love, even if their loved ones are in the bathroom area.
2. Companionship
Dogs are pack animals by nature, and they are the happiest when they are in the company of others, humans or dogs. For centuries, dogs traveled and lived together in close groups.
Even today, village dogs still do this. Domestic pet dogs no longer run in packs, but they are still heavily dependant on others.
Plus, during centuries of domestication, dogs have evolved and created a stronger bond with humans. Since you are your dog’s closest companion, he will follow you around.
On the flip side, common and strong separation from you may lead to intense anxiety in dogs. So, for some to avoid this, they will never let you go anywhere alone, and no bathroom door can keep them away.
3. Breed Traits
Dog’s personality matters. Although there are many dog breeds, every dog is an individual and special. With that in mind, some breeds are more prone to follow humans than others.
For example, herding breeds, such as Border Collies, may want to keep the family rounded up. Loyal working dogs, such as Doberman Pinschers, insist on staying close to keep an eye out for danger.
Also, sporting breeds, and those good at swimming, might want to stick to their favorite person.
Are there official ‘dogs that love spending time in the bathroom’ dog group? No, but some breeds are just more inclined than others to join people on the other side of the bathroom door.
4. Dogs Are Curious
This is something that we all know – dogs are curious by nature. Although they can spend up to 16 per day sleeping, they are always alert.
Dogs always want to know what’s going on, and they are always ready to jump inside the new adventure.
Simply said, they don’t want to miss a thing. When your dog follows you into the bathroom, he may be sating his natural curiosity. He really, really, really wants to know what’s going on inside.
5. Your Personal Reinforcement
Do you pet your dog when he follows you to the bathroom or redirects him to the door? No matter what’s the practice, you are giving your dog attention, and attention can only boost some behavior.
If you don’t mind having a dog that follows you all the time, it’s no big deal. However, if you love to have private moments, you should train your dog to do something else.
This should be short and simple – use treats to train your dog to stay away from the bathroom door. For example, you can train your dog to practice down-stay outside the door.
So, when you come out of the bathroom, praise him and reward him with treats for being a good dog. Over time, you will stop the bait of following you into the bathroom area.
These are just some of the many reasons why your dog might follow you. Don’t forget that every dog is different, and your dog might have his won (not-listed here) reason why he wants to be next to you all the time.
Dogs are sensitive beings, and sometimes they might be afraid and under stress, without their owners realizing that. Sometimes, dogs may suffer from anxiety.
The most common sign of a dog’s anxiety is a constant need to be next to you.
Another common sigh of a dog’s anxiety is destructive behavior. If you notice any of these signs, you should talk to your veterinarian and try to find the best solution for your canine.
If your dog just wants to be next to you and shows no signs of anxiety, including heavy shaking, its ok to redirect your dog to another room when you want to use the facilities.
On the other hand, if you don’t mind having an audience, there’s no harm in letting your dog follow you into the bathroom.
Dogs Don’t Understand ‘Alone Time’
You know what time it is, that a day has 24 hours, but your dog has no idea what time is. Moreover, they really don’t understand any form of ‘alone time.’ It’s a pack thing. They want to do everything together.
Dogs are constantly doing things with others in the pack, including patrolling, eating, playing, and hunting.
So for them, an idea of alone time doesn’t exist. Some dogs want to be next to you all the time and just follow you around – no matter what.
Can You Ever Go to the Bathroom Solo Again?
It may seem impossible, but you may enjoy solo bathroom moments. If you would like to keep your dog from following you into the bathroom, you need to keep him busy with something else.
Your dog should be occupied and do so by providing a new toy or treats. You can also ask a family member to keep your dog while you are inside the bathroom and offer a treat to your dog once your step from the bathroom area.
The Bottom Line
Dogs love being surrounded by their favorite people. They don’t care about the hour, about the place, and what you are doing as long as they can to be with you.
Some dogs are so clingy that they will become your shadow, while others are don’t care what happens behind the closed doors. However, in most cases, dogs want to know what happens behind the closed door – especially the bathroom doors.
Therefore, it’s not that unusual to see your dog running toward you as soon as you open the bathroom door, trying to get inside in silence and have a few minutes of your own.
You can always try to teach your dog to give you space and time, but be prepared – it will demand extra time and patience and many treats.
If you ever get triggered by your dog watching you on the toilet, just remember that your dog doesn’t mind if you watch him do his business or note.
