As a dog owner, you may find your dog staring at you for long periods of time with no idea as to why. You’ve probably asked yourself, “Why does my dog stare at me?” more than once, and there are times you may have been able to answer that question pretty easily. If you’re snacking, you probably have a pretty good idea of why your dog is staring at you. Other times, you might not have any clue whatsoever and find yourself racking your brain to figure out what your dog might possibly want.
They Love You
Just like you may find yourself staring at someone you love, your dog will stare at you because they love you. You might find your dog staring at you with a content and relaxed expression. When they do this, they don’t want anything from you, they just want to stare at you because they love you. When staring back at them during these times, it’s been shown to release oxytocin in your dog’s brain, which is a happy chemical that can be released from love.
They’re Waiting for Instructions
If you’ve trained your dog with specific commands, or they know they’re supposed to wait at certain time periods, they will look to you for instructions on what they should do next. If you’re walking your dog and stop to wait at a crosswalk, you may find your dog looking to you because you’ve trained them to wait during this time period.
They Expect Food or a Treat
Most pet owners know the experience of finding a set of pleading eyes on them when they’re eating food. This also applies to receiving treats around a set time. If you started giving your dog a little bit of people food now and then when they were a puppy or taught them that you getting ready for work means they get a treat, you may find yourself the subject of your dog’s gaze as they wait for a tasty treat.
They’re Vulnerable
It’s no secret people feel uncomfortable when their dog makes heavy eye contact with them while they do their business. When dogs go to the bathroom, they’re at their most vulnerable to an attack, so they look to you as their fearless guardian and protector to keep them safe during their time of need.
They Need Something from You
Sometimes you may find your dog staring at you longingly or with a pleading expression. Your dog may very well want your assistance with something, such as getting a toy out from under something or letting them outside to go to the bathroom. Your dog might be telling you they’d like more food and water, or they may want you to play with them.
They’re Protective of Something
If you find yourself on the mean end of a stare from your dog accompanied by a growl, you might want to give them their space. Most often, they’re simply guarding something they love that they’re worried you will take from them, such as their food or a favorite toy. You shouldn’t think your dog hates you because of this, but you should let them have what they want in that situation to let them know you respect their feelings and understand their boundaries.
They’re Reading Your Expression
Humans and dogs are both very attuned to reading facial expressions. Your dog is great at picking up on when you’re happy or when you’re upset and all the emotions in between. If you find your dog staring at you, they may just be reading your facial expressions to decide what to do next. If you seem angry, they may leave the area. If you seem sad, they may decide that you need a dog in your lap, even if they don’t fit.
Why does my dog stare at me is a question you may ask yourself so often, whether you find your dog staring at you with nothing but love in their eyes or whether you find yourself the subject of the uncomfortable eye contact while your dog does their business. Most often, your dog is going to be staring at you because they love you or they want something from you, whether that’s food or a lost toy.
