Why Dogs Stare at You?
Dogs stare at people a lot. While it might be difficult to read our dog’s minds when they are staring at us, them staring at us is actually a well-established form of communication in the canine world. Similar to how people stare at each other when they are in love, dogs will also stare at their owners to show affection. It’s a weird feeling to your dog staring at you all the time. Being stared at by a dog is more disconcerting than being stared at by a person you hardly know. However, it becomes weirder if the dog doesn’t stop to stare at you. Dog’s use eye contact as their main form of communication. Here are some of the main reasons why dogs stare at you:
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Longing for Something
Dogs always have a way of manipulating their owners. They quickly learn that staring at us is an okay way to ask for what they want. Most of the time when you catch your dog staring into your soul, it’s because there is something they want from you. It could be a toy, a tasty morsel, someone to play with, or a hand to pet him. Additionally, your dog staring at you could be a sign that he wants you to let him outside. When you give in to your dog’s staring behavior, he will continue to do so whenever he wants something. Although staring can be quite annoying, it is a better way to ask for something rather than barking, biting, or digging.
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They Love Us
The other reason why dogs stare at you is to express love. Just like humans, dogs will gaze into the eyes of those they love. Mutual gazing between dog owners and their dogs releases the same hormonal response present during mother and infant bonding. The sign that the dog loves you will probably be accompanied by a soft or sweeping tail wag, a light pant, relaxed ears and normal-sized pupils. When your dog keeps on staring at you even when you are brushing your teeth, eating breakfast, or resting, he might be trying to show you how much he loves you.
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Confused Dog
In most cases, dogs that stare during training with their head tilted are mostly confused. He could be trying to figure out what is needed of him much like you are trying to figure out. If you catch your dog staring right into your face after asking him to do something, backtrack your training a bit and find a way to communicate more clearly. You might think that your dog is disobeying you but chances are he is just confused.
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Reading Our Body Language
While we are always trying to understand the different body languages found in dogs, dogs also try to interpret human behavior as well. You might have noticed that your dog keeps on staring at you whenever you are doing something. They will look at us expecting us to move to the next step as they keep a close eye on us. Your dog will stare at you doing something expecting to receive a reward such as getting a treat or going outside for a walk.
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They Are Hungry
Another common reason why dogs stare at you is craving for food or treats. Whenever he sees you have forgotten to feed him, your dog will stare at you to remind you that it’s his feeding time and he is hungry. Dogs also have the habit of wanting to share their owner’s food whether you are at the dining table or just taking snacks on the couch. Your dog will stare at you with a begging look hoping that you can share with him whatever you are eating. Be careful to not always give in and feed him during such moments because it might turn into a habit that’s difficult to break.
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They Want Attention
Pups are kings and queens of attention-seeking. Your dog could be staring at you all the time as a way of getting noticed. Your dog will not shy away from staring at you continuously if they feel that they are not given adequate attention. Your dog might still ask you for extra affection especially when they feel bored or lack adequate exercise.
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They Are Aggressive
Dogs communicate with us in different ways. When you find your dog staring at you and his body is still and stiff, it would be best if you avoided eye contact with him. Leave him alone and give him space to calm down. Aggressive stares usually show up upon interaction with unfamiliar dogs or people, rather than owners.
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Cognitive Dysfunction
When you notice that your old dog keeps on staring at you for no apparent reason, it could be an early sign of cognitive dysfunction. Wandering around with no aim, not remembering basic commands and looking disoriented are other signs common in dogs suffering from this disease. If you notice unusual signs accompanying your dog’s staring habit, take him to the vet and have him checked up. Always keep an eye on the body language to ensure that your dog’s staring behavior is normal.
When to Be Concerned?
While your dog might stare at you to express a desire for something such as food, attention, or a potty break, there are some instances when you notice that the staring isn’t normal and the dog could be suffering from something. If you find the dog staring off into space for long periods or gazing at a random spot for so long, he could be suffering from Canine Cognitive Dysfunction. This condition mostly occurs in senior dogs. The other symptoms which accompany CCD alongside long hours of gazing and staring include:
- Failure to respond to their name when called.
- Frequent trembling.
- Aimless wandering around the house.
- Getting lost in familiar places even at home.
While this disease isn’t curable, your veterinarian will be able to help you and the dog cope with the condition as you move forward.
Conclusion
There are more reasons not to worry about your dog staring at you compared with the reasons to be worried. In most cases, dogs will stare at you because they want something from you. No one knows your dog better than you do. You can easily guess what they want then decide whether or not to oblige.