Dogs are naturally social creatures, and they like to know where we are and what we are doing a lot of the time. However, this makes us feel like they are staring at us all the time!
Our dogs will pay more attention to us at certain times for different reasons, and it’s important to try and understand why they do this. So, why do our dogs stare at us in different situations?
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Why does my dog stare at me… all the time?
Some dogs will feel a constant need to be near their owners at all times and may spend a lot more time staring at us than we might expect. This can be normal but can also be linked to anxiety – particularly separation anxiety.
If your dog feels that they need to spend most of their time near you, and becomes anxious or agitated when you are apart, then you should consider speaking to a qualified veterinary behaviorist for more advice.
Why does my dog stare at me…when I eat?
Most dogs love a bit of human food – but some are more persistent than others! If you regularly feed your dog some titbits from the table (or if they manage to get a few scraps that are accidentally dropped) then it’s common for them to start watching you when they eat. This can even turn into pestering behavior, such as nudging or pawing at you, or even climbing onto you to try and get a piece of your food!
It’s best not to feed dogs table scraps at all – but if you are going to do so, make sure to do it away from the area where you eat. Place the scraps into their food bowl, rather than feeding them straight from the table, and they will be less likely to pester you when you eat.
Some dogs will feel a constant need to be near their owners at all times and may spend a lot more time staring at us than we might expect.
Why does my dog stare at me…when they poop?
As silly as it sounds, pooping is a vulnerable time for dogs. And whereas we can get some privacy in the toilet when we need to go, they often end up going in more open and public areas.
If you are within sight of your dog when they are pooping, they will often want to keep an eye on you – mostly to make sure that you are not going to disturb them. This is normal, and nothing to worry about. Keep a respectful distance when your dog poops, if possible, and they will be more comfortable.
Why does my dog stare at me…and growl?
Growling is not always a sign of aggression – sometimes deep, rumbling sounds can also be associated with playing. However, fixed eye contact and growling can often be signs that a dog is feeling threatened, and may be followed by a bite or snap.
If your dog is regularly growling at you, or showing other signs of aggressive behavior, you should speak to a qualified behaviorist for advice.
If your dog is regularly growling at you, or showing other signs of aggressive behavior, you should speak to a qualified behaviorist for advice.
Why does my dog stare at me…with his head down?
In dog body language, staring straight on at another dog can sometimes be seen as aggressive or intimidating. Our dogs may stare at us with their head down, or sideways, as a way to make sure that they do not look confrontational. This is especially common in dogs who are generally a little anxious anyway – they want to make sure that they are not annoying anyone!
Why does my dog stare at me…when I’m sleeping?
Anxious dogs often find having their owner nearby to be reassuring, and may want to be with you at all times – even when you are sleeping! This can lead to a feeling that they are watching you when you sleep, which can be a little unsettling.
You can help your dog to feel relaxed by showing them that you also feel relaxed. Do not become anxious or agitated by their staring – instead, gently reassure them that everything is OK, and then lie down and go back to sleep.
Anxious dogs often find having their owner nearby to be reassuring, and may want to be with you at all times – even when you are sleeping!
Why does my dog stare at me…creepily?
The way that our dogs’ eyes seem to follow us can sometimes appear a little unsettling, but they are not doing it deliberately. Rest assured your dog is not trying to creep you out – however much it might appear that way!
Why does my dog stare at me…and whine?
Our dogs often whine at us when they want something from us, or when something is unsettling them and they want us to change it. Sometimes a combination of staring and whining can suggest your dog wants food, attention, or to go to the toilet.
Should I stare back at my dog?
Try to avoid staring directly at your dog without speaking for periods of time. In doggy body language, this can be seen as aggressive or confrontational and is likely to make them feel unsettled.
If you want your dog to stop staring at you, try to work out if there is something that they want – they may be hungry or need to pee. If not, then consider giving them something to do to occupy themselves – a food puzzle is a great way to occupy bored dogs.
Try to avoid staring directly at your dog without speaking for periods of time. This can be seen as aggressive or confrontational and is likely to make them feel unsettled.
Conclusion
It’s normal for dogs to want to watch us, and their staring is not usually a sign that anything is wrong. Sometimes it can mean that they want something from us – food, or a walk, or the toilet – especially if it is combined with whining, or resting a paw on us.
However, excessive amounts of staring can be a sign of anxiety, especially if your dog is very clingy or generally nervous. Growling can also be a warning sign of fear or aggression.
If you are concerned about your dog’s behavior, speak to your veterinarian or a qualified veterinary behaviorist for advice.
