You may be doing various things, but if you have a dog in your home, you likely constantly feel its gaze upon you. So why do dogs watch us so intently?
What does it need?!
Body language and other aspects can help you distinguish between a loving gaze and an aggressive expression. Behaviorists identify at least four reasons why a dog may stare at its owners!
Your pet wants something
If your dog is staring at you as mealtime or evening walk approaches, and you are still on the couch, it is likely just trying to get your attention. This is perhaps the most common reason dogs look at their owners.
Pets express their love and affection in various ways, and one of them is through an intense gaze. If the dog does not appear excited and is not “running back and forth,” it is most likely just saying, “I love you.”
The dog is showing aggression
In most cases, dogs look at us for positive reasons; however, sometimes it can be related to an aggressive attitude.
When determining the reason for the intense gaze, it is important to pay attention to body language. Here are some signs indicating that your pet may be looking at you aggressively:
stiffness;
dilated pupils;
curled lip;
ears pointed forward;
raised tail.
The expression on your dog's face can also tell you a lot about how it feels. If your dog's brow is furrowed, it is likely looking aggressively. Growling is another clear sign of an aggressive stare.
The animal is seeking guidance
Your dog may be staring at you not because it is looking for something specific. It may be waiting for guidance. You can even train your dog to look back at you whenever it needs instructions.
Should you look back at the dog?
The short answer is: no. Veterinarians emphasize that if you are sure your dog is looking at you out of love or wants something, you can respond with a loving gaze. However, if it is not your dog and you do not know it well, you should never look back, even if the dog does not seem aggressive.
