Actually, Fratt says there's "no indication" that they even know what a bathroom is—or what we're doing in there. "Even if they 'know' what you're doing, why would it matter to them?" she says. "It's certainly reading too much into things to assume that your dog is being gross or weird.
They're standing guard
Your dog knows this – and they worry about you when you pee. If you've had your pooch for a while, they've probably deduced what you do in the bathroom. By accompanying you to the toilet, they may believe they're standing watch for you during a moment of exposure.
The answer: Of course they do. They are not stupid. In fact they are almost certain to get more infornation from the smell than we do.
Dogs who follow you to the bathroom
In general, dogs follow us because they are social animals and enjoy human company. As their owner, you are the one who meets most of their needs, including for affection, so following is a sign of this attachment.
You are your dog's closet companion, and being close to you means food, safety, and happiness. On the flip side, being separated from you may mean anxiety or distress. You're their pack now—and for some dogs, that means not letting anything, not even the pesky bathroom door, come between you.
Point: Dogs carry certain intestinal parasites, fleas, and ticks that cause human illnesses. Sleeping with a dog increases human exposure to these parasites and vector-borne diseases. Very young, very old, and immune compromised people are particularly at risk of infection.
If your dog does this, it means they trust you. And, if they keep their bum toward your face, it shows that you make them feel safe. Your dog also wants to keep you safe and secure, which is why they plant their rumps where they do. This allows them to monitor the entire room and be ready for action if it's warranted.
Guarding – Your dog adores you and wants nothing more than to make sure you are safe. This unconditional devotion can mean that they need to be there in order to protect you from outside threats (not like there is any likelihood of someone lurking in the bathroom, but hey, anything can happen).
If your dog follows you everywhere then it's a sign that they trust and love you and that you make them feel safe. Following you very closely can be a sign that they're bored, they want something, they're feeling scared or are just being nosy.
Yes, dogs can smell human pee...it's just that (hopefully!) they don't get the opportunity very often. After all, most people are house trained and so the neighborhood should be unrewarding from a dog-smelling-human-pee perspective.
Dogs use the Earth's magnetic field when they're relieving themselves. Not only that, but canines choose to do so in a north-south axis, a new study published in the journal Frontiers in Zoology says.
Many dogs will stare at you when they are pooping because they want to make sure that you are seeing them poop. Most of the time poop equals reward or praise. Your dog wants to make sure that you are watching so that they get praised and hopefully a treat afterward.
Often, this is simply a case of access, or lack of it. If one person spends more time at home with the dog, naturally the dog will want to see and spend time with the other partner, too. When the absent partner rewards that behavior by handing out treats upon return, reinforcement and hardwiring occurs.
Like their human counterparts, dogs develop favorite people over time based on positive experiences and positive associations with that person. Some people use tasty treats and other rewards to create strong bonds with pets, but the best way to build a healthy relationship with your dog is through play.
Just as humans stare into the eyes of someone they adore, dogs will stare at their owners to express affection. In fact, mutual staring between humans and dogs releases oxytocin, known as the love hormone. This chemical plays an important role in bonding and boosts feelings of love and trust.
According to Svartberg's data (PDF), a pinscher, a Bernese mountain dog, or an English springer spaniel might be the most disloyal since each ranks very low on playfulness, with moderate sociability.
Breed Specific
Whether you have a big mutt or a pure bred, a dog's ancestry may influence their temperament and impact how they form bonds with humans. Breeds that tend to choose favorites include: Akita, Chihuahua, Dachsund, Sheepdog, Shiba Inu.
Known as “Velcro Dogs,” Aussies may form an almost fanatical attachment to their family. This can lead to his mistrust of, and misbehavior toward, strangers.
It's a sign of affection, closeness, and connection, and your 'furkid' is saying that it feels safe to be with you. It's a continuation of the bonding process that began when you and your dog first met each other. Your dog is reassured by your presence and it needs constant confirmation that you are there for him.
A recent study explored how the presence of a pet in bed impacted womens' sleep quality and found that it made them feel more secure and comfortable. Think about it — your dog's instinct is to protect. They will let you know immediately if anything is amiss while you are asleep.
Dogs have an instinct to seek out warm and secure places to sleep. By sleeping between their owner's legs, dogs can stay warm and feel safe, creating a cocoon of warmth. This behavior is rooted in their wild ancestor's need to keep warm and protect themselves from predators.
How Much Do Dogs Sleep in a Night? According to Dr. Roberts, around 75% of a dog's sleep happens at night while the rest occurs in the daytime. The average dog sleeps around nine hours in a night and three hours during the day.
Dogs are territorial animals. If you let your dog sit on the couch (or sleep in bed with you), you may accidentally signal to them that these areas are part of their territory. Consequently, you may notice them growling at you or other people when they attempt to use the furniture.
It's perfectly acceptable for most dogs to sleep in their owner's bedroom. Sleeping in the same room as you is a welcome reward for many dogs. Whether they do or not comes down to personal preference.