Dogs locking eyes with their owners is a common occurrence, but why do they do it? Maintaining eye contact is one way dogs communicate and bond with humans. Understanding why dogs stare can provide insight into your pet’s mood, emotional state, and even their intentions.
Do dogs stare to show affection?
Yes, when dogs lock eyes with their owners it often indicates affection. Prolonged eye contact releases oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone,” which strengthens the bond between a dog and human. Staring is a way for dogs to non-verbally communicate, “I love you.”
Dogs will stare at their owners, maintaining eye contact without looking away. Sometimes a dog’s eyes will soften while gazing at their person. Tail wagging usually accompanies this type of staring. It shows contentment, trust, and calmness.
Is staring a sign of dominance in dogs?
In some cases, yes, a fixed stare can signal dominance over another dog or person. However, this is rare behavior for a well-socialized pet. Prolonged, unblinking eye contact is perceived as a threat and challenge in the canine world. The stare is intimidating and meant to establish status and control.
Dominance staring often occurs between two unfamiliar dogs meeting for the first time. The stare down sets the hierarchy between them. With people, it may happen when dogs feel threatened or lack trust. Owners can avert confrontations by avoiding direct eye contact in tense situations.
Why do dogs stare into their owners’ eyes?
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| To communicate | Dogs lack verbal language so they rely on nonverbal cues like eye contact to communicate with humans. Staring establishes connection and attentiveness. |
| To bond | Gazing into each other’s eyes releases oxytocin, strengthening the affectionate bond between dog and human. |
| For attention | When a dog stares, it signals they are seeking attention, care, play, food or other needs. |
| As a warning | A cold, hard stare without blinking can indicate aggression. It’s a threat signaling dominance and hostility. |
What do you do when your dog stares at you?
When a dog locks eyes, the best response depends on the context of the situation:
- If it’s a friendly, soft gaze, reciprocate it with affection to strengthen your bond.
- If it seems your dog is staring for attention or needs, respond accordingly by playing, feeding, or providing what she desires in that moment.
- If your dog’s stare seems dominant, avert your eyes to avoid a confrontation. Distract her with a toy or treat.
- If staring becomes excessive, give your dog another focus like obedience training or puzzle toys to redirect the behavior.
Why does my dog stare at me while pooping?
When dogs lock eyes while relieving themselves, it often signals a vulnerability. They are looking to their owner for security. Keeping watch lets the dog safely eliminate without threat of harm from potential predators.
Staring at you also helps facilitate bonding through the oxytocin released from mutual eye contact. So take it as a compliment that your dog wants to connect with you, even during bathroom breaks.
Why does my dog stare at me when I eat?
Dogs stare at humans during meals hoping to score some scraps. Their eyes plead “can I have some?” This food-focused staring activates the neural reward centers of a dog’s brain. They intensely crave whatever you’re eating.
To curb mealtime staring:
- Don’t give in by feeding table scraps
- Separate the dog in another room during meals
- Distract with a puzzle toy stuffed with her own food
- Train an “off” or “go to your bed” command
Why does my dog stare at nothing?
Sometimes dogs will stare intently at…nothing. They gaze upwards or at a wall with great interest. Reasons for staring into space include:
- Dementia: Senior dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction often stare blankly. Impaired thinking and memory causes them to get stuck.
- Hearing or seeing things: A dog may be looking at something you can’t perceive, like subtle sounds or movements.
- Seizure: Unfocused staring can be an early sign of a seizure about to take place.
- Boredom: Lack of stimulation can manifest as zoning out while gazing off into the distance.
If staring into space becomes excessive, take your dog to the vet to rule out medical issues. Increase physical and mental exercise. Interactive toys and training sessions will help engage your pet’s mind and senses.
Why does my dog stare at the wall?
When dogs gaze at the wall or into corners, there could be a few explanations:
- Pests: They hear mice or insects in the wall.
- Phantom smells: They detect old scents from previous pets or residents.
- Shadows and light: They see intriguing shadows on the wall from sunlight or passing cars.
- Neurological issues: Conditions like obsessive compulsive disorder or seizures may cause wall staring.
Redirect your dog’s attention away from the wall. If the staring seems obsessive, contact your veterinarian to check for underlying medical issues.
Why does my dog stare at me and growl?
Growling while staring is often a warning. The dog is signaling discomfort, fear, or feeling threatened. Direct eye contact can seem challenging to dogs when they are already on edge. Never punish growling, as that can teach the dog not to warn before biting.
Some reasons for staring and growling include:
- Fear of strangers, children, or other dogs approaching
- Possession aggression over toys, food, territory
- Pain or illness making the dog feel vulnerable
- Maternal protection of puppies
Growling stare downs are a risky behavior to correct. Consult a professional dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist to modify the behavior safely.
Conclusion
Dogs have complex reasons for locking eyes with humans and other animals. While often meant as non-verbal communication and affection, staring can sometimes signal dominance, insecurity or aggression.
Understanding the context and body language behind your dog’s stare will help you respond appropriately. With time and positive reinforcement, you can redirect unwanted staring into healthier channels of communication.