Why Is My Dog Staring At Me?

Is your dog challenging your authority with his eye contact or does he have a kinder and gentler reason in mind?

It used to be a common belief that staring at your dog was a bad thing.  And people were also cautioned that a dog staring back at them meant the dog was trying to be dominant.

When a dog stares at another dog, it usually suggests a challenge – to chase, to play or maybe to fight.

But a dog staring at a person he loves and trusts has a very different meaning.

The dog is probably trying to communicate one of these messages.

“I’m hungry!”  Your dog’s internal clock might be telling him it’s dinner time and he’s reminding you in case you forgot.

“I need to go out and potty.” All your hard work to house train your dog is paying off so pay attention to this look!

“Let’s go out and play!”  What’s better than fun and games with your dog?

“Take me for a walk, please.”  Lace up your walking shoes and grab his leash because your dog is telling you that you both can use a little exercise.

“Car ride??”  Did you even think about picking up your car keys?  He wants to be sure you don’t leave him behind.

“Please pet me.”  You know his favorite spot behind his ears and and how much he loves a belly rub.

“I don’t feel good.” Better pay attention to this one.  Does he just need a rest or should you call the vet?

“I can tell you’re upset today.”  Dogs have an uncanny ability to read our emotions and to reach out and comfort people they love.  It’s one of their many miraculous gifts to humans.

“I smell you.”  The olfactory ability of a dog far surpasses anything we can imagine.  You’d be amazed at what your dog can tell about where you’ve been and what you’ve done with just a good sniff or two.  Is his nose quivering as he sits and stares at you?

“It’s bed time.” No burning the midnight oil.  We need our rest.

“You’re my person and I love you.” Receiving unconditional love and devotion from a dog is a gift that truly awakens man’s soul.

Sharing a loving gaze with a dog will calm the mind and lift the spirit of both dog and human.