Why Does My Dog Stare At Me?

There are several reasons your dog may stare at you. Dogs are highly social animals; their primary communication is through body language. A dog staring at its owner can have various meanings, influenced by context, the dog’s body language, and the relationship between the dog and the owner. Here are some reasons your dog might stare at you:

Seeking Attention

If your dog wants something like food, a walk, or playtime, they might stare at you to get your attention. A person can reinforce this behavior if they often positively respond when the dog stares (e.g., you get up and feed them or take them out).

Bonding

Eye contact can be a bonding experience between you and your dog. A study has shown that mutual gazing between dogs and their owners leads to increased oxytocin levels, a hormone related to bonding and affection, in the dog and the human.

Trying to Understand

Dogs are excellent at reading our body language. They may stare at their human intently as they try to gauge our mood or intentions, especially if they think something involving them is about to happen.

Waiting for Direction

If your dog has been trained, they might be waiting for your command or cue.

Submissive Behavior

A submissive dog might stare up at you with wide eyes, showing the whites of their eyes, sometimes called “whale eye.”

Challenge or Aggression

Conversely, prolonged staring, especially with a stiff body and focused intensity, can signify dominance or impending aggression. It’s essential to pay attention to the context and the entirety of the dog’s body language.

Medical Reasons

Specific health issues might cause a dog to stare at you, a wall, or seemingly nothing. Conditions such as canine cognitive dysfunction (similar to dementia in humans) or certain types of seizures can result in staring. A vet visit is necessary to determine if other unusual behaviors or symptoms accompany your dog’s staring.

Love and Affection

Dogs sometimes gaze at you simply because they love and enjoy your company.

Understanding the context and observing the entirety of your dog’s body language can help decipher the specific reason behind their stare. If you are ever in doubt about a behavioral change or suspect a medical issue, it’s always best to consult a veterinarian or a canine behaviorist.