It’s a common experience for dog owners – you go into the bathroom, shut the door behind you, and suddenly your dog is scratching at the door, whining, and trying to get in. Why does your dog feel the need to follow you into the bathroom and stand guard while you’re in there?
They want to protect you
One of the most common theories is that dogs stand guard in the bathroom because they want to protect you. As pack animals, dogs have an instinct to defend their family and “pack.” When you disappear into a room and shut the door, it likely triggers your dog’s protective instincts.
To your dog, the bathroom is a mysterious, unknown space. They can’t see what’s happening inside. So when you go in and close the door, they may think you are vulnerable to potential dangers. Your dog feels the need to keep you safe by standing guard.
Dogs are vulnerable when alone
Another related reason is that dogs feel unsafe when left alone. In the wild, a lone wolf or stray dog is vulnerable to attacks from predators. Your pet may experience anxiety at the thought of being left alone, even for a few minutes.
Following you into the bathroom and standing guard helps ease your dog’s separation anxiety. They know where you are and can ensure you’re not in danger.
Bathrooms make noises
Bathrooms make all kinds of odd noises – from showers running, toilets flushing, faucets turning on and off, even electrical appliances like hair dryers or electric toothbrushes. These noises likely make your dog very curious and a bit nervous.
Your dog wants to investigate the source of these strange bathroom sounds. And they want to make sure you’re okay in an environment with unknown sights, sounds, and smells.
They crave your attention
While the protective instinct is a factor, another big reason dogs stand guard in the bathroom is because they crave your love and attention. Dogs are highly social, pack-oriented animals.
When you disappear behind a closed door, your dog may whine or scratch out of separation anxiety. They want to be close to you. Standing guard outside the bathroom door is a way for them to reconnect with you as soon as you’re done.
Bathroom time is playtime
Dogs love bathroom time because they know they have your undivided attention. You’re often stationary in the bathroom – sitting on the toilet, standing at the sink, or taking a shower.
This gives your dog the perfect opportunity to engage you in play. You’re a captive audience. So your dog may see bathroom time as playtime. They scratch at the door hoping you’ll open it and play with them.
Dogs hate closed doors
Dogs often feel anxious, confused, or curious about any space they’re not allowed access to. Closed doors can create barriers between dogs and their owners.
Your dog may scratch, whine, or stand guard outside the bathroom simply because he wants the door open. Being shut out makes dogs feel lonely and isolated from their pack.
How to stop the behavior
While your dog standing guard in the bathroom may seem cute or silly at first, over time it can become an annoying behavior. Luckily, there are some simple ways to teach your dog not to follow you into the bathroom.
Positive reinforcement
Use treats and praise to reward your dog for not reacting when you go into the bathroom. When they remain calm and relaxed outside the closed door, respond by giving a treat and verbal praise.
This positive reinforcement will teach your dog that good things happen when they leave you alone in the bathroom.
Commands like “stay” or “lie down”
Issuing commands is another effective technique. When getting ready to go into the bathroom, first tell your dog to “stay” or “lie down” in another room. Reward with a treat if they obey.
This separates your bathroom time from your dog’s anxious waiting behavior.
Desensitization training
Gradually desensitize your dog to your absence in the bathroom. Start by going in and shutting the door for just a few seconds at a time, then reward your dog’s calm behavior from outside the door.
Slowly increase the duration you’re behind the closed door, continuing to reward your dog’s patience during the training sessions.
Provide toys/chews to divert attention
Give your dog something fun to focus on instead of the closed bathroom door. A food puzzle toy stuffed with treats, a Kong filled with peanut butter, or a delicious chew bone will keep them occupied and distracted in another room.
Why it’s important to stop this behavior
Getting your dog to stop standing guard or scratching at the bathroom door is about much more than just having privacy. Here are some key reasons why this bathroom behavior needs to be nipped in the bud.
Potty training setbacks
If your dog still isn’t potty trained, having them right outside the bathroom door can lead to accidents. The smell of you going potty can trigger your dog to go potty in the house.
Safety hazard
Your dog scratching at the door risks accidentally opening it at inopportune times. This could lead to injuries for both you and your dog.
Damage to door/bathroom
Excessive scratching and whining can damage your bathroom door or door frame. It can also be loud and disruptive for other household members.
Opportunity for dangerous habits
Constant pawing and scratching can lead to broken nails or twisted paws. And some dogs may resort to chewing on door frames or drywall if separation anxiety is severe.
The takeaway
It’s natural for dogs to be protective, curious, and crave closeness with you when you disappear into a closed room. But regularly following you into the bathroom can become problematic over time.
With patience and consistency, you can teach your dog to relax and respect your privacy when you need time alone in the bathroom.
Understanding this common dog behavior is the first step to correcting it and having a well-trained, confident pet who doesn’t need to stand guard or cause damage while you’re in the bathroom.