Why Does My Dog Stare At Me Nowadays?
Most owners love watching their dogs play, run around, and snuggle in their beds. But you may have noticed your dog watching you, too! If your dog has a tendency to stare at you, you might be wondering what that means. Especially if it’s a new behavior, your dog’s staring habit may be prompting you to seek out an explanation.
Owners often ask the specialists at Dan’s Pet Care about this behavior. Let’s take a look at a few of the most likely reasons behind it! This article explores several of the most common explanations for staring behavior in dogs.
1. Your Dog Is Hoping For Food
Some dogs are more food-motivated than others. When your dog senses—even incorrectly—that you might be considering sharing some food, they’re likely to stare at you to ensure they don’t miss out. If you’re trained your dog not to beg for food, staring could be your dog’s alternative. While this behavior is normal, to an extent, you can take some steps to cut down on food-related anxiety. Keeping mealtimes consistent and limiting treats can keep your dog from constantly worrying about missed opportunities to eat.
2. Your Dog Is Preparing To Attack
Domestic dogs share many of the same behavioral instincts as wild dogs. Especially if you’ve adopted an older dog with an unknown background, your pet may have experienced trauma in their past. Sometimes, your dog’s aggressive instincts can trigger unexpectedly. If your dog’s posture looks rigid and he’s not blinking, he may be on guard and considering an attack. Don’t underestimate your pet’s ability to cause an injury, even if you have a small-breed dog. Any sign of this behavior should be addressed with a behavioral specialist.
3. Your Dog Is Curious About You
Humans do a lot of things that don’t make sense to dogs. Typing on a laptop, running on a treadmill, or taking a shower are just a few of the behaviors that your dog doesn’t fully understand. If your dog is watching you while you’re busy, they may be puzzling over what you’re doing and why. They could also be watching for an opportunity to help with whatever you’re trying to do.
4. Your Dog Wants Attention or Approval
If your dog is trying to make eye contact with you, he or she may be asking for your undivided attention! When dogs are eager to please their owners, they tend to watch closely for any signs of approval or disapproval. If you sense that your dog is watching to see if you like their behavior, try offering some enthusiastic praise!
5. Your Dog is Experiencing Mental or Physical Problems
Various problems in dogs, especially neurological disorders, can cause unexplained staring. If your dog is blankly staring at people, walls, or other objects on a regular basis, ask your vet for advice. Also, as dogs age, they tend to become less mentally acute. While this is a natural part of the aging process, it’s important to discuss with your vet if it’s happening often. If your dog stares frequently, watch closely for other changes in behavior, like having accidents, bumping into furniture, or acting confused.
6. Your Dog Loves You
Dogs tend to stare at people they really love. If your dog seems happy and contented, he or she may be gazing affectionately at you. Enjoy the compliment, and be sure to tell your dog how much you love them, too!
