Is it a good idea to train my dog to use the shower as a bathroom?

I have a 1.5-year-old Aussie mix who is fully potty trained and sleeps in bed with us. We typically sleep for about 8 hours, and she’s used to holding it that long without any accidents. Recently, I started wondering if it might be possible to train her to pee in our walk-in shower, which is very accessible to her, so she doesn’t have to hold it all night.

What do you think about this? Are there any things I should be cautious about?

If it were possible, I’d teach my dog to use the toilet too. But… do you really want your shower to smell like dog pee? Are you planning on using the shower yourself, or will it only be for the dog?

Thanks for posting this, though… I can totally imagine my husband coming up with an idea like this. It gave me a good laugh.

@wonderg
Didn’t consider the smell being that bad, but that’s a good point. It’s our main shower, so we definitely don’t want it stinking. I figured rinsing it out after each use would be enough?

And yeah, wouldn’t it be amazing if dogs could just handle their own bathroom needs without us having to worry?

@CharlotteAmelia
Just rinsing it later might not cut it. The smell could still linger, and you could even end up with plumbing issues over time. Urine has salts that can build up and clog the drain if it’s not flushed out immediately.

Sure, it might be possible, but is it necessary? Why change something that’s already working fine?

Blake said:
Sure, it might be possible, but is it necessary? Why change something that’s already working fine?

Just exploring a more convenient option. If she could go whenever she wants, my wife and I wouldn’t have to rush to let her out first thing in the morning.

@CharlotteAmelia
Letting the dog out is part of the responsibility of having one. It just sounds like you’re looking for shortcuts.

Blake said:
@CharlotteAmelia
Letting the dog out is part of the responsibility of having one. It just sounds like you’re looking for shortcuts.

But what if the dog gets older and can’t hold it as long? Or if you’re stuck at work for 9 hours?

It’d be better for the dog to have a ‘litter box’ option than end up holding it or having accidents inside.

@CateBlanchet
Your dog is still young. If you can’t make it home, why not hire a dog walker or ask a friend to help out?

Blake said:
@CateBlanchet
Your dog is still young. If you can’t make it home, why not hire a dog walker or ask a friend to help out?

Or just teach the dog to use the shower as a backup ‘potty.’

If friends and family are also busy, why not make things easier on the dog? There’s no harm in giving it an indoor option if it helps everyone.

Blake said:
@CharlotteAmelia
Letting the dog out is part of the responsibility of having one. It just sounds like you’re looking for shortcuts.

We walk her twice a day and play with her every chance we get. We both work over 45 hours a week, so it’s not about being lazy. We just don’t want her holding it in longer than needed while we get our sleep.

@CharlotteAmelia
If it works for you and the dog’s happier, who cares what others think? Sounds like a practical idea to me.

@CharlotteAmelia
Adult dogs are usually fine holding it overnight. It just sounds like you don’t want the responsibility of taking her out right away.

Blake said:
@CharlotteAmelia
Adult dogs are usually fine holding it overnight. It just sounds like you don’t want the responsibility of taking her out right away.

I’m asking for advice, not a lecture. I know what comes with owning a dog, so thanks, but no thanks to the judgment.

Most adult dogs can hold it overnight with no problem. Trying to change her routine might just make things harder for both of you. Just take her out for a quick pee before bed and right when you wake up.

@Umbrielle
We were leaning that way too, but I just wanted some other opinions. Thanks.

I wouldn’t do it. Here’s why:

  • The smell… Even with daily cleaning, it would start to smell because she can’t flush it. Plus, if she doesn’t aim right for the drain, she might step in it and track it around the house.
  • Confusion… She might start thinking it’s okay to go on any tiled floor, like in someone else’s bathroom if you’re visiting.

I tried puppy pads once, but it just confused my dog and made her pee on carpets too.

@Alaric
Thank you, this answer convinced me not to try it. I hadn’t thought about her tracking pee around or the potential confusion.

CharlotteAmelia said:
@Alaric
Thank you, this answer convinced me not to try it! I hadn’t thought about her tracking pee around or the potential confusion.

Glad to help. Cleaning up after a puppy was bad enough… I’d definitely avoid this idea.

I’ve actually trained my dog to use the walk-in shower for emergencies when it’s too cold outside or if she really has to go.

The only thing is you don’t want solids going down the drain, but for pee it’s fine as long as you rinse it daily.