Praise dogs with eyes, not with ears. And even that unrelenting gaze from your dog can be painful, disorienting or at least a little uncomfortable. Yet this behaviour is mostly on purpose. Dogs express their feelings, needs and intentions, for example, via eye contact, which they cannot convert into words. At other times, that set look is replete with love and confidence. On other occasions, it is an indicator of anxiety or expectation or discomfort. It’s better to know why your dog is looking at you so you can have a more meaningful relationship and avoid blunders.
Affection and Trust
The relaxed and peaceful stare is a strong sign that your pet feels safe, very bonded to and secure with you. Eye to eye contact also releases oxytocin in dogs and humans, so man and his best friend have effectively been bonded through successful maintenance when Dog-Man made initial eye contact!
Seeking Attention
Dogs look when they desire something to eat, something to play with, a walk, and to be loved. When staring has succeeded in the past, your dog will learn that this is one of the effective methods of getting your attention without calling your name.
Waiting for Instructions
Most dogs stare at their owners until they are given directions. When it comes to routines such as a walk, a meal or even playtime, trained dogs tend to stare a lot, looking at the hand sign or even spoken words.
Hunger or Routine Reminder
In case the stare occurs at the same time every day, your dog can be reminding you of a routine. Focused eye contact is frequently elicited by bedtime rituals, feeding times or walks to make an action move.
Emotional Check-In
Dogs can sense human emotions. A long gaze may indicate that your dog is checking your mood, and there is stress or sorrow, and the dog is providing silent company instead of the interaction they are requiring.
Anxiety or Uncertainty
They have a stiff body, with their eyes wide open and an unwavering stare, which could mean they are nervous. Your dog may not know what to do in a given situation, or with a particular person, or over some strange noise, and he is coming to you for reassurance or guidance.
Guarding Behavior
Staring in some cases is an indicator of danger. When combined with growling, freezing, or raised hackles, it can reflect the possessiveness over food, toys or territory and must be dealt with amicably.
Learned Behavior
Dogs soon get to know what behaviours attract rewards. In case you have been using the act of staring as a form of reward in the past or to attract attention, then your dog can repeat this later on as a communication behaviour.
Curiosity and Observation
Dogs study human behaviour to determine patterns. It could be just your dog being able to see what you are up to, and possibly they are trying to determine what you are about to do or what you are able to do based on what you are doing.
Health or Discomfort Signals
The abrupt alteration of the stare behaviour may be a sign of unease or a problem with health. In case of strange, repeated, and accompanied by lethargy or confusion, it would be beneficial to take the pet to the doctor.
