Have you ever caught your dog staring at you?
Maybe he’s chewing a bone or just lying on the couch next to you and when you look over, he’s just staring at you.
This leaves you wondering, why does my dog stare at me?
Dogs are referred to as our best friends for a reason. They are in tune with our feelings and know our every move.
How do they do it?
They stare at us, watch us a lot, and learn about our habits, emotions, and interactions with our environment by doing so.
It might seem a little creepy when you look over and see your pet staring back at you.
If you've been asking yourself, why does my dog stare at me? There are a few reasons why he may be doing this.
Why Does My Dog Stare At Me?
Sometimes, you know exactly why your pet is staring at you. Maybe you’re about to take a bite of a sandwich or snacking on a bag of chips.
Other times, you may have no idea why dogs stare. I’ve caught my dogs staring at me while watching TV or reading a book.
I'm not doing anything interesting, and there is no food around.
So, what is she looking at?
Why does my dog stare at me while I’m doing mundane tasks? The answer might surprise you!
1. To understand
I've already discussed this one. Your dog can learn a lot about you by watching your every move.
He can learn your likes and dislikes, your regular routine, and how you go about your daily tasks.
While you may think your dog is just staring at you, he's actually observing you closely to learn all that he can about you.
Your dog wants to please you, and the more he learns, the easier it is to make you happy.
2. To communicate
Dogs can’t talk, so they communicate in the ways that they know how. One of those ways is by making eye contact.
Your dog may be staring at you to get your attention. Does he need to go to the bathroom? Is it time for supper?
Your dog may be trying to communicate his emotions. In wild dog packs, staring is considered threatening.
Is your dog mad at you? Is he guarding a bone or chewing?
Resource guarding or staring due to an act of aggression needs to be addressed immediately.
I have written a guide on dealing with resource guarding in dogs. If you feel your dog has this problem, I highly recommend finding a dog trainer with experience in dealing with aggressive dogs.
Most often, your dog is trying to communicate his affection for you. Just as you would stare into the eyes of a lover, your dog stares at you to express how much he cares for you.
Research has proven that when dogs and their owners stare at each other, oxytocin, also known as the love chemical, is released in the brain.
MORE: Why Does My Dog Scoot His Butt on the Floor?
3. He wants something
Staring is a common form of begging behavior. If you give in when your dog stares at you from under the dining room table during dinner time, he will continue this behavior.
The best way to nip begging behaviors in the bud is to resist the urge to give in.
Distract your dog with a toy or confine him in another area of the house during mealtimes.
Giving in will only reinforce the behavior and cause your dog to beg even more incessantly.
4. Something is wrong
Staring may be an act of attention. Your dog could be staring at you, hoping you will notice his discomfort or pain.
This may be the case if your dog doesn’t usually stare at you. Be sure to observe your dog closely for signs of illness or discomfort.
If you notice anything that seems different from your pup's normal behavior, it's best to call your veterinarian for a check-up.
While it may be nothing, there is a chance that your dog's staring behavior could be a sign that he needs help.
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