Why Does Your Dog Pee Where You Pee? (mystery solved)

It’s not uncommon for dogs to want to pee where their owners pee, and there can be a few reasons for this behavior.

This article explores why dogs pee where their owners pee, whether you should do anything about it, and how to tell whether they’re marking or just peeing.

Why Do Dogs Pee Where Humans Pee?

Dogs may pee where you pee as a way of marking their territory or as a display of dominance.

This behavior is common in dogs that are trying to establish their place in a pack hierarchy. It can also be a way for your dog to feel more secure and comforted by your scent.

In general, there are three main reasons why dogs pee where humans pee.

1. Dogs view owners as pack leaders

This can result in them imitating their behavior and following their owners everywhere, including the bathroom. It can lead to the dog seeking more attention and affection from their owner, indicating a strong attachment and bond with the caretakers.

Keep in mind that this is not necessarily a true reflection of the social structure of a wild pack of wolves. Instead, it’s a way to describe the relationship between a dog and its owner. In that sense, dogs may exhibit behaviors that reflect their perception of their owners as a source of security, protection, and leadership within their human household.

2. Marking territory with scent

Marking behavior can become a problem if it occurs in inappropriate areas or interferes with other dogs or people in the area. Similarly, this behavior can be reinforced if the dog gets positive attention or praise for marking. 

3. Enjoying attention and affection

This behavior can sign a strong bond between the dog and their owner and can also provide comfort and security for the dog. As an owner, try to set clear boundaries and rules for your dogs to ensure that this behavior does not become disruptive or problematic.

Is Your Dog Marking You With Urine?

While your dog may be marking you with their urine, it’s more likely that they are marking the area where you’ve peed. Dogs mark their territory by urinating in certain areas to communicate information about themselves to other dogs. 

When they pee over your urine, they may be trying to claim you and the area you occupy as their own. This is especially common in male dogs but can also occur in females.

Should You Let Dogs Mark You With Urine?

It’s generally not recommended to let dogs mark you with urine. Although this behavior may seem harmless, it can actually be a sign of dominance or territorial behavior and can create issues with dog-to-dog or dog-to-human relationships. 

Additionally, allowing your dog to mark you can be considered unacceptable behavior and can lead to hygiene and sanitation issues.

To modify this behavior, we recommended providing regular potty breaks in designated areas, training them to pee on your command, rewarding your dog for good behavior, and discouraging marking by interrupting and redirecting your dog’s attention.

How to Tell if a Dog Is Marking or Peeing?

Here are some ways to tell if a dog is marking or just peeing:

1. Quantity of urine. Marking often involves a small amount of urine, whereas normal urination usually involves a larger amount.
2. Posture. Marking is often accompanied by a leg lift and a quick squirt of urine, while normal urination involves the dog standing still for a longer period.
3. Location. Dogs will often mark in areas with many scents, such as corners, furniture, or objects that other dogs have marked. Normal urination usually occurs in designated potty areas.
4. Frequency. Marking can occur multiple times in a small area, while normal urination is typically a one-time event.
5. Behavior. Marking is often accompanied by sniffing, licking, or scratching the area. Dogs may also display dominance behaviors, such as raising their tails high while marking.

Note: These signs may not always be present and can vary from dog to dog, so observing your dog’s behavior is essential. If they lift a leg but no pee comes out, check this guide.

Suggestead Reading: Best Housebreaking and Potty Training Tools

Does Human Urine Mark Territory and Keep Animals Away?

Human urine does not typically mark territory or keep animals away in the same way that a dog’s urine might. While urine from any species does contain scent-marking chemicals, it’s unlikely to have a significant effect on other animals, especially if the urine is diluted or has been there for a while.

In general, animals are more likely deterred by strong smells or unfamiliar scents rather than by the scent of human urine. 

In addition, some animals may avoid areas with human urine because they associate it with potential danger, such as the presence of people, but this is not a universal reaction and will depend on the individual animal and its experiences.

FAQs

Why do some male dogs pee where females pee?

Male dogs may pee where female dogs pee typically to mark their territory and establish dominance. It’s a standard way for dogs to communicate information about themselves to other dogs. 

By urinating on top of the urine of a female dog, a male dog may be trying to claim her and the area she occupies as his own. This can also be a way for the male dog to assert his dominance over the female dog and signal to other dogs that he is the top dog in the area.

Why do some dogs want to be close to you when you pee?

Dogs may want to be close to you when you pee because they seek your attention and affection, or they may try to mark you and the area you occupy with their scent. This behavior can also indicate a strong bond or dependence on you.

Should you let your dog follow you into the bathroom?

Allowing your dog to follow you into the bathroom can be seen as a sign of affection and trust, but it can also lead to hygiene and sanitation issues or become a disruptive or distracting behavior. Consider your own comfort level and train your dog to respect personal boundaries.

Should you let dogs mark on walks?

It’s generally not recommended to let dogs mark on walks. Allowing your dog to mark can encourage territorial or dominance behaviors, create conflicts with other dogs and people, and may also be considered unacceptable by others.