There are times when your dog watches you so oddly that you feel uncomfortable. Sure, seeing the happy and loving gaze of your furry friend gives you a wonderful feeling. But sometimes you wish you knew what the eye contact means.
To help you decode your dog’s gaze, we’ve compiled the most common questions about dog staring. We’ve also found the answers to each of them!
Why Does My Dog Keep Staring at Me When I Pet Him?
This form of communication is beneficial to both dogs and humans. Research shows that it causes the brain of dog owners’ oxytocin levels to rise to 300% The effect is similar on dogs as well. Staring at their owners increases their oxytocin levels by 130%.
If your dog yawns, licks his nose or lips, or stiffens his body, stop petting him. This is especially true when he is giving you the whale eye, where the whites of his eyes are more exposed. These dog behaviours are glaring signs that your canine companion wants some space.
Why Does My Dog Keep Staring at Me Whilst I Sleep?
- They could be sleeping with eyes partially or fully open. Pooches have a third eyelid–the nictitating membrane–that protects their eyes and keeps them from drying out. This membrane is so thin that it looks transparent.When open-eyed canine sleepers doze off, this third eyelid covers their peepers. Dogs do not sleep with only their third eyelid protecting their eyes, but this can happen sometimes.
- They could be anxious about your presence. This especially applies to abandoned rescue dogs who may have traumatic memories or experiences.
An owner who adopted a rescued Golden Retriever is one example. He found it strange that his dog stared at him outside his bedroom every night as he slept.
He later found out that the dog’s previous owner took the creature to a shelter at night whilst he was asleep. From then on, the dog never slept at night, fearing he would wake up in a strange place again.
- They are probably curious about the funny noises you make. Some pets have been known to stare at dog owners who snore loudly whilst sleeping.
- They want you to do something necessary for them. If you usually find your pooch staring at you in the morning, it is probably because he needs to go potty. It could also be his way of asking you to feed him.
- They learned to get your attention this way. Do you fuss over your pet when you catch him staring at you when you wake? He probably has learnt that it’s one way to get your attention; thus, he does it.
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Why Does My Dog Keep Staring at Me When I Eat and When He Eats?
Even if you do not toss him a morsel, he’s hoping to enjoy anything that accidentally falls from the table. If you want to remedy this situation, you can time your pet’s meals with yours.
You can feed him through food puzzle devices so it takes longer for him to finish eating. Or relocate him to another room whilst you eat.
If your dog stares at you whilst he eats, it is dog body language for vigilance. He may be checking out possible threats to his food access. If you walk out of his view and notice his eyes following you, it may be a sign of mistrust.
Resource guarding in dogs is one of the common causes of this behaviour. With consistent dog training, this behavioural issue can be resolved.
If your dog lovingly stares at you whilst eating, his tail is wagging, and his body relaxed, he is probably enjoying his meal. Or that he just looks at a focal point near you and thus is not exactly staring at you.
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Why Does My Dog Keep Staring at Me When They Poop?
Defaecation is one of the things that put animals in a most vulnerable position. As such, your dog will refuse to potty in an area where he does not feel safe.
If he watches you whilst pooping, it is because he trusts that you will warn him when there is a danger. He may also think that you will protect him if there is any impending danger.
So if you move away whilst he is doing the deed, your dog will likely stop what he is doing. As such, avoid making sudden movements whilst your pet is pooping.
Why Does My Dog Keep Staring at Me and Bark?
If he is relaxed and wagging enthusiastically, he may be inviting you to interact with him. He may also be just seeking your attention.
Why Does My Dog Keep Staring at Me and Whine or Cry?
If your pet whines with his head, ears, and tail down, he is displaying a submissive posture. This can also be accompanied by a low body position similar to squatting. It’s like he’s saying, “Okay, you win.” He could also whine to appease you.
If your dog whines as a greeting, he may just be excited at seeing you.
If you tend to give your pet a treat or do what he wants when he stares and whines, it’s a learned behaviour. If you want to remedy this, consistently wait for him to be calm before giving in.
Why Does My Dog Keep Staring at Me and Growl?
If the growling only happens when you touch him on a specific part of his body, that spot may be painful. Have him checked accordingly.
FAQs About Why Your Dog Stares at You
1. What Does It Mean When a Dog Stares at You Without Blinking?
If your dog stares at you without blinking paired with a tense posture, take this gesture as a sign to back off. His body language conveys that he is establishing dominance. It can also be an indicator of aggression.
To prevent the situation from escalating, avoid meeting your pet’s eyes and slowly walk away from him. Never provoke him by ignoring his warning or else he might pounce on you as he perceives you as a threat or a rival.
2. Why Does My Dog Follow Me Everywhere and Stare at Me?
If your dog follows you everywhere and stares at you, it might be his way of communicating that he wants to be involved with the activities you are doing. He could also be attempting to get your attention for playtime or mealtime.
Dogs with separation anxiety are prone to exhibiting this behaviour. If your pooch becomes depressed whenever you walk away from him or leave him alone even for a short period, he might have developed separation anxiety.
You may also like: Why Does My Dog Follow Me Everywhere?
3. Why Does My Dog Stare at Me, Then Look Away When I Look at Him?
If your dog stares at you, then looks away when you look at him, he does not want to challenge your authority. In dog body language, staring is an act of dominance. So when your furry pal does the opposite to you, it means he is pacifying the situation.
4. Why Do Dogs Look Sideways at You?
There are several possible reasons why dogs look sideways at you. They could be he is feeling uncomfortable or scared of your presence.
If they exhibit a whale eye whilst doing this facial expression, it might be a sign that they feel threatened and may need to protect themselves.
In some cases, the sideways look is a harmless gesture that humans tend to over-interpret. The best way to accurately decipher what dogs feel when they look at you this way is to observe other accompanying body language.
If they look relaxed, no need to worry. However, if their body is tense and they emit hostile vocalisation, the safest option is to back away.
Conclusion
Generally, dogs stare to get your attention, seek direction, clear up confusion, and express their desires. Considering all these factors, it is important to check your dog’s body language to interpret the stare better.
Also, staring directly into a dog’s eyes is like provoking a challenge or a fight. As such, looking directly at them in the eye for long periods is not recommended. This is especially true if the dog’s body, tail, and facial expression are tense.
To help you decipher the other ways your dog is communicating with you, check out these tips on pet behaviour. Don’t forget to share what you know!
