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Taking care of a dog is a lot of work, but it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. You and your furry friend form a special bond that is unlike any other. But sometimes, your dog’s behavior can be a bit mystifying. For instance, you may be wondering why your dog follows you to the bathroom every time you go. In this guide, we’ll explain the reasons behind this behavior and offer some tips on what you can do about it.
Reasons Why Your Dog Follows You to the Bathroom
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There are a few theories about why dogs may follow their owners to the bathroom. These are:
- They Want to Be Involved in Every Aspect of Your Life
Dogs are social creatures that crave companionship. For them, being separated from you, even for a brief period of time, can be upsetting. So, it’s not surprising that they would want to follow you to the bathroom to make sure they’re never too far from you.
- They’re Looking for a Little Privacy
Some dogs may feel uncomfortable relieving themselves in front of others. So, they may follow you to the bathroom as a way of seeking out some privacy. Furthermore, the bathroom may provide your dog with a sense of security, since it’s usually a quiet place where they won’t be disturbed.
- They Smell Something Interesting
Let’s face it, bathrooms can be smelly places. But to a dog’s sensitive nose, the scent of urine and feces can be fascinating. So, it’s possible that your dog is simply curious about the smells coming from the bathroom and is following you to investigate.
- They Think You’re Going on a Walk
If you often take your dog for a walk after using the bathroom, they may have learned to associate the two activities. As a result, they may follow you to the bathroom in anticipation of a nice stroll.
- They’re Trying to Get Your Attention
In some cases, a dog may follow their owner to the bathroom as a way of getting their attention. If you usually give your dog some sort of treat or toy after using the bathroom, they may have learned that this is a good way to get your focus.
- They Need to Go to the Bathroom
If you’ve ever been in the middle of using the bathroom when your dog starts scratching at the door, it’s likely that they need to go to the bathroom, too. Dogs usually give cues when they need to relieve themselves, such as sniffing around or pacing back and forth. If you’re bathroom is the only place where they can find some privacy, they may follow you there in hopes of being let out.
- They’re Experiencing Separation Anxiety
Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety often follow their owners from room to room in an effort to stay close. If your dog becomes anxious or agitated when you leave them alone, this may be the reason they follow you to the bathroom.
- They Were Trained to Go on Command
If you’ve ever trained your dog to go to the bathroom on command, they may follow you to the bathroom whenever they need to relieve themselves. This is because they’ve learned that this is where they’re supposed to go when they need to do their business.
How to Deal With a Dog That Follows You to the Bathroom
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If your dog’s behavior is simply annoying, there are a few things you can do to deter them from following you to the bathroom. For instance, you can:
- Close the Door
If privacy is what your dog is after, simply close the door when you go to the bathroom. This will give them the alone time they need and should stop them from following you. Just be sure to provide them with plenty of other opportunities for attention and companionship so they don’t feel left out.
- Ignore Them
If your dog is seeking attention, the best way to deal with the situation is to simply ignore them. Don’t give them any treats or toys after using the bathroom, and don’t make a big fuss about leaving them alone. With time, they should learn that they won’t get anything from you by following you to the bathroom.
- Give Them a Distraction
If your dog gets anxious when you leave them alone, try giving them a chew toy or a Kong filled with treats before you go to the bathroom. This will give them something to focus on while you’re gone and should help to ease their anxiety.
- Take Them for a Walk
If your dog follows you to the bathroom because they think you’re going on a walk, try giving them a short walk after using the bathroom. This will help to reinforce the association between the two activities and should discourage them from following you in the future.
- Consult a Trainer
If your dog’s behavior is proving to be too much to handle, it’s a good idea to consult a professional trainer. They’ll be able to help you identify the root of the problem and come up with a customized plan to address it.
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Conclusion
There are a number of reasons why your dog may be following you to the bathroom, but the good news is that there are things you can do to deter them. If their behavior is simply annoying, try closing the door or ignoring them. However, if their behavior is caused by anxiety or separation issues, you may need to consult a professional trainer for help.
I’m Nathan Koster, an experienced dog nutritionist and blogger. As the owner of Dog efficientdog.com, I strive to provide accurate, up-to-date information on canine health and nutrition so that pet owners can make the best decisions for their beloved pups. With years of research and a passion for helping others, I’m committed to creating a helpful resource for pet owners. Thank you for visiting my blog!