A: The short response is an unequivocal “yes.” And it makes a lot of sense why our dogs behave in this way.
All pet parents are aware that having a dog means you rarely go to the bathroom alone, much like parents of human children. Dogs love to accompany us to the porcelain palace for some weird reason, making the most awkward eye contact imaginable. (Well, perhaps the second most uncomfortable, right after the moment you inadvertently caught your mother’s gaze while you were all watching “Superbad.”)
That’s undoubtedly the case for dog mom Leigh, a marketing and PR specialist from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, whose roughly 10-year-old Chihuahua rescue, El Vez, has been accompanying her into the bathroom ever since she first brought him home.
Even though the morning conversations are great, why do dogs accompany you into the bathroom and sit exactly near the toilet every time we use it? After witnessing us stand by them as they go about their own business outside, it appears that it isn’t because they are returning the favor.
According to Kayla Fratt, owner of Journey Canine Training in Missoula, Montana, and an International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)-certified dog behavior consultant, “We’ve bred them for hundreds, if not thousands of years to want to be around us. There is no practical reason why they shouldn’t follow us into the restroom, and it makes perfect sense for them to do so as we move from room to room.
Therefore, it isn’t because they are creepy young kids that enjoy seeing us crap. Actually, Fratt claims that there is “no sign” that they even understand the meaning of a bathroom or the purpose of our visit.
She asks, “Even if they ‘know,’ why would it matter to them what you’re doing?” “To presume that your dog is acting disgusting or strangely is definitely reading too much into things. He simply wants to be close to you. That’s how easy it is.
The same holds true whether they are observing us use the restroom, shower, or apply makeup. Our dogs’ fascination in the restroom may be in part due to the fact that SO MANY DIFFERENT THINGS can occur there.
As the owner and head dog trainer at Pawsitive Paul’s Dog Training in Baltimore, Maryland, Paul Sheinberg, CPDT-KA, explains, “Occasionally you go in there for a minute or two, and sometimes when you take a bath, it may be for an hour.” If you have the kind of dog that sticks by you or is anxious when you leave, they will often follow you when you move in that way because of the uncertainty.
However, if your dog doesn’t follow you into the bathroom or anyplace else in the house, it doesn’t necessarily signal that something is wrong with them or you.
Some canines are simply stickier than others. They more closely track and shadow their people, claims Fratt. Although it is more typical in some shepherding breeds than in others that are more aloof, it is not at all odd dog behavior.
It’s not difficult to educate your dog to let you to go down the hall and into the bathroom alone if you’d prefer to have a few minutes to yourself.
The simplest method, according to Sheinberg, is to educate them how to “remain” and then reward them for their independence by giving them a treat or some praise. She advises training your dog to stay without using the restroom at first, just to get him acclimated to it. Once they have mastered the command, they can move to the restroom area to practice for brief periods throughout the day. Within days, it need to be fixed in a constructive and enjoyable way.
There you have it, then. Dogs can follow you into the restroom and can also choose not to, which is entirely normal. Only if your dog exhibits extreme anxiety when left alone, even for a short time, while you use the restroom, should you be concerned. It can be a symptom of canine separation anxiety.
The time has come to seek assistance, according to Fratt, if your dog becomes upset over not accompanying you into the bathroom. In order to resolve the situation, she advises speaking with a qualified dog behavior consultant or another behavior expert rather than an obedience teacher.
Leigh claims that since she has been back in Pittsburgh, El Vez has actually given her a bit more breathing room. Since being in quarantine, she notes, “I would say, I’ve observed that it’s happening less and less.” He appears to be intentionally seeking to find time away from people to socially isolate himself.
If your dog accompanies you to the restroom, what does that mean?
Your dog probably follows you into the restroom because of their innate instinct and pack mentality. Due of their urge to stick by your side, these canines are known as “Velcro dogs.” In order to defend a member of their pack, they might follow you around, even to the bathroom.
Should I let my dog accompany me into the restroom?
Your dog’s desire to spend the majority of the time with you is completely healthy. After all, one of the best things about owning a dog is the bond you have with your pet. However, if your dog constantly whines when you shut the door between you or acts destructively when you’re apart, they can be exhibiting symptoms of separation anxiety. In such situation, merely allowing them to use the restroom with you won’t benefit either of you in the long run. Consult your trainer or veterinarian for advice on reducing separation anxiety.
When you need to use the restroom, you are completely permitted to send your dog to a different room as long as they don’t exhibit any signs of anxiousness. However, there is no harm in allowing your dog to follow you into the bathroom if you don’t mind an audience. You see them defecate all the time, after all!
Why does my dog protect me as I urinate?
The majority of animals are most vulnerable when they are going potty. Your dog is aware of this, which is why they worry when you urinate. If you’ve owned your dog for a time, it’s likely that they’ve figured out what you do in the restroom. They might think they’re protecting you by going with you when you have to use the restroom. Salute them.
Your Dog’s Health
Point: Climbing on the bed for your dog can be very difficult if they suffer from musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis, and soft bedding are not supportive enough for aging joints. Dogs in pain can prefer soft padding to a firm surface that is low to the ground. Furthermore, senior dogs may develop incontinence. When the dog lies down, its weak, older bladder leaks. Wet bed sheets, oh no!
In contrast, you can pick up and put your small, arthritic dog on the bed. You might offer a ramp or stairs if he’s big to make getting on the bed simpler. If your dog does not wriggle off of the pee pads that you put on the bed, the sheets will remain dry.
A dog may feel lonely if it spends a lot of time alone while its human family members are out at work or school. Seeing his family can help him reestablish a crucial bond.
Your Health
Point: Some people have allergies that are specifically to dogs. Long-term close proximity to dogs exposes people to pet dander, which can cause respiratory issues. However, co-sleeping with a dog might worsen allergic symptoms in people who do not have pet allergies. Dogs outside attract dust and pollen, which can make people’s allergies worse. The allergy reactions may last even after the dog has left the bedroom since they may leave that dander, pollen, and dust on the bed linens.
Contradiction: A healthy daily routine may help reduce the quantity of dust and pollen your dog brings inside by wiping him with a moist towel before he enters the house. Your exposure to allergens will be decreased by bathing your dog, installing HEPA filters in your home, and frequently cleaning your bed linens, which can allow your dog to reclaim his seat on the bed.
Point: Some dog owners find it difficult to fall asleep when their dog is in the bed. When their dog turns over, kicks, or scratches, light sleepers are roused. Some people find it annoying when their dog snores excessively. Lack of sleep can impair your immune system and make you cranky, which can harm your general health. Even when they have a restless night, dogs do not experience sleep deprivation because they have time to snooze during the day and make up for missed time spent sleeping at night.
Contrary: Whenever you train your dog to sleep at your feet, the commotion caused if he moves throughout the night may be minimized. Many dog owners find that cuddling up next to their furry pals improves their sense of security and their quality of sleep. Dogs can reduce tension and blood pressure while also tending to soothe individuals.
Dogs also provide a feeling of security. The knowledge that their canine companion will alert them to a nocturnal emergency, such as a fire or an intruder, may help heavy sleepers sleep more soundly. Insomniacs can also sleep better thanks to dogs. People who have trouble falling asleep claim that their dog’s regular breathing puts them to sleep. Additionally, those who typically sleep alone find it more comfortable to lie next to a warm live thing. Whatever the cause, having a dog can improve sleep, which is very beneficial for one’s health.
Point: Ticks, fleas, and several intestinal parasites that cause disease in humans are carried by dogs. Human exposure to these parasites and vector-borne illnesses is increased when sleeping with a dog. People who are really young, old, or have weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible to infection.
Contrary: Your veterinarian can prescribe broad-spectrum parasite control that works year-round to protect both you and your dog from parasites and vector-borne diseases (common products include Heartgard Plus, Simparica or Simparica Trio, Nexgard or Nexgard Spectra, Interceptor or Interceptor Plus, and Revolution Plus, to name a few).
Do I want to sleep with my dog?
You are in excellent company if you do. Many folks don’t have any issues with their pets sleeping on their beds. According to research, nearly half of dogs sleep alongside their owners, making bed sharing a common practice.
When it comes to sharing a bed, size counts. Approximately 62% of tiny dogs, 41% of medium-sized dogs, and 32% of large dogs are permitted to sleep with their human families. It seems that people are willing to share their beds, but simply not all of them.
Does my dog want to sleep with me?
From a dog’s point of view, some dogs find it too hot to sleep in beds and would rather lie on a cool floor. Some people prefer to switch rooms numerous times throughout the night, sleeping first on the kitchen floor, then the bathroom mat, and finally the sofa. It’s simpler if you sleep on the ground. Additionally, some humans have trouble sleeping, which causes their dogs to wake up.
While some dogs prefer to lie on the bed with their owners, others do not. They are a little bit too serious about owning the bed. Your dog may be kicked off the bed if he overly aggressively guards the bed or a human member of the family.
Should my dog sleep in my bed?
Dogs typically comprehend that they are not the family’s top dog. People’s size advantage over dogs is a factor in that social system. A dog and his owner are on the same level when resting on the bed, which may encourage the dog to display aggressive tendencies.
Some dogs overreact when startled even when they are not hostile. Your pet may not have intended to bite you if you rolled over in bed and startled him, but an inadvertent bite nevertheless hurts just as much as an intentional one. However, co-sleeping should be alright if neither you nor your dog has any health problems or behavioral concerns that would make doing so unhealthy for either of you. Rest well!
Why doesn’t my hubby accompany me to the restroom like my dog does?
Why does my dog follow me but not my husband is one of the major mysteries faced by dog owners. What does a dog have that causes them to stick with just one person? Do dogs have a preferred man?
It is true that many dog breeds, including the Chihuahua and German Shepherd, have a favorite person. Since they are one-person dogs, they usually only show their affection to one person.
Chances are, if you have a rescue dog or a young puppy, he will follow you around, especially if YOU were the one to bring him home from the breeder or shelter. Your new dog has ended up in a brand-new environment. You are the only constant.
This, according to animal behaviorists, is normal and may be stopped by giving dogs the correct training. The idea is to involve your dog in everyone’s activities and let him know that everyone in the family will look out for him. Although your dog’s life may have been challenging up to this point, he should be well now that he is with a caring family.
Your dog follows you for a variety of reasons, but not your husband or another member of the family. The most frequent ones are: believing you to be the parent or leader, or having a lot of positive associations with you; breed traits; velcro dog syndrome; separation anxiety; or instinct.
The most frequent explanations for your dog following you around are listed below in detail so that you can better understand their behavior.
When they poop, why do dogs stare at you?
the gaze You’d think she’d look away to give you some privacy, but she instead locks eyes with you. That’s because your dog is vulnerable when she’s poops, and she’s depending on you to protect her. Your dog is aware of his helplessness out of instinct.
Why do dogs expose their stomachs?
Dogs show us their bellies primarily for two reasons: one is a sign of submission, and the other is an appeal for a belly rub. Prior to caressing your dog, it’s crucial to understand what they are trying to tell you.
Dogs who assume a submissive posture, also known as an appeasing posture, are attempting to relieve social tension by demonstrating that they pose no threat. When you pet a dog who is exhibiting submissive or appeasing behaviors, the dog may get more tense since you are now touching him in extremely sensitive areas of his body!
Dogs who genuinely want a belly rub will typically exhibit the body language indications described below:
- Overall, wiggly, loose body postures
- Mouth: wide open and relaxed
- They might be moving their tongue around.
- eyes: bright, open, or squinting, but not necessarily fixed on anything
- Tail: wagging, relaxed tail
- Vocalizations: a mild panting noise, a low “laugh” sound, or silence
A dog exhibiting appeasing or submissive behavior, on the other hand, will appear as follows:
- They may squat, freeze, or exhibit stiff, low body positions overall.
- Mouth: mouth closed or lips pushed back far in a “fear grimace.” There may be a lot of lip-licking and tongue-flicking.
- Eyes: They will either be wide open and focused on something far away, or they will be fixed on you without shifting their head, or their eyes will be strained and squinty.
- Tail: The tail may be tucked or motionless, but it will always have tension at its base.
- Whining that is subdued or gentle
The majority of people find it simplest to look at the dog’s mouth and tail, but remember that a happy dog doesn’t necessarily have a tail that is wagging. A full-body, loose tail wag differs from a tucked, stiff, quick tail wag.
