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

@CateBlanchet
Have you seen any issues with her potty training? We’ve taught her commands for pee and poo, so I’d only want her to use the shower for peeing. Does your dog use it for both?

CharlotteAmelia said:
@CateBlanchet
Have you seen any issues with her potty training? We’ve taught her commands for pee and poo, so I’d only want her to use the shower for peeing. Does your dog use it for both?

No issues here. She only uses it when necessary, and I haven’t seen her go for number 2 there, thankfully. I think she sees it as a backup.

Why go through the hassle? A healthy adult dog can hold it overnight without problems. Using the shower for this sounds kinda gross. Doesn’t the water system handle things differently for a reason?

Donna said:
Why go through the hassle? A healthy adult dog can hold it overnight without problems. Using the shower for this sounds kinda gross. Doesn’t the water system handle things differently for a reason?

Sometimes she seems uncomfortable holding it, which wakes us up. And from what I’ve read, all pipes go to the same system.

@CharlotteAmelia
Even if that’s true, I’d still bleach and disinfect the shower floor regularly.

Also, what’s the plan if she starts using a friend’s shower when you’re visiting?

Donna said:
Why go through the hassle? A healthy adult dog can hold it overnight without problems. Using the shower for this sounds kinda gross. Doesn’t the water system handle things differently for a reason?

Toilet water isn’t worse than a clogged sink drain. Plus, urine is actually sterile. There’s really nothing that gross about it.

Don’t do it. Dog urine is full of bacteria, and your shower floor has tiny pores that could trap it. If you have a cut on your foot, it could lead to an infection.

I’m a vet student, so I can confirm dog urine isn’t as clean as some people think.

@Elijah
Good to know, and that’s a great point. Thanks for the heads-up.