Why is my dog staring at me?
You may notice your dog silently staring at you as you do your daily activities. Your first instinct may be to feel uncomfortable; your hair is hopelessly frizzy. Is something stuck in my tooth?
But when it comes to the question, "Why is my dog staring at me?" don't assume the worst. In your mind, rest assured that a dog's gaze is not a judgment of your appearance.
Dogs have developed a close domesticated relationship with humans over thousands of years. This relationship helps dogs become observant and responsive to human behavior.
In many cases, staring is a normal canine behavior used to communicate a specific type of emotion, desire, or need. If you notice your dog is staring at you, it could be for one of the following reasons.
Expect or wish
Does your dog stare expectantly at you when you eat? If so, he's just waiting for a sip of food to fall to the ground or for you to take a drink into his mouth.
Unfortunately, this dog's behavior is often learned. If you give your dog food or other treats during the meal, they will know to expect the same reward any time you eat.
Except during mealtimes, your dog may stare at you because they want to play or because a toy they're playing with gets stuck under something, and they need your help to get it out.
If your dog needs to relax, he will stare at you to indicate his need to be outside.
Seek direction
When your dog is well-trained, it will stare at you for signs. For example, if you walk and approach a pedestrian crossing, your dog may stare at you to determine whether to sit down or continue walking.
Your dog wants to please you, so his stare should be a question of what they should do next to please you.
Express your feelings
A dog's unconditional love is often irresistible. When a dog and a pet's parent form a close emotional bond, the dog sometimes uses his gaze to show affection.
The dog will have a soft facial expression and slightly narrowed eyes with an affectionate gaze. Research shows that affectionate glances between dogs and humans increase levels of oxytocin, commonly known as the "love hormone."
Need protection
When dogs go to the toilet, they may stare at their pet parents. Pet parents may think, "Why is my dog staring at me when he poops?"
Here's why: When a dog is in a potty position, it is relatively defenseless. He will stare at you when he pees to make sure you protect him when he's in a vulnerable position.
Read facial expressions
Dogs are very good at reading and interpreting human facial expressions. Your dog may be staring at you to learn your facial expressions and determine what they should do next.
For example, if you have a worried look on your face, your dog may decide to snuggle up to you to comfort you.
This is where the dog's staring behavior is a problem. If your dog owns an object, such as a toy or its food bowl, it will look at you sternly and growl as a warning to back off.
If your dog is staring at you, slowly back away and doesn't continue to stare.
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