2025-03-06
Staring is a common behavior in dogs that may seem puzzling but actually has various meanings depending on the context. Now, imagine you are taking a hike through the forest with your trusty doggo, and they suddenly start staring in a particular direction, their body posture becomes stiff, and their ears are perked up. There is a decent chance that something has caught their interest in the shrubbery, and they mean to investigate. This is their way of communicating to you that there is something nearby worth their time. We should observe our paw friend’s body language, assess the environment, and use our intuition to determine what they are trying to tell us.
One of the most common reasons for dogs to stare at humans is simply to express affection. Similar to how humans may stare at loved ones to convey emotional connection, dogs also use eye contact as a way to bond with their owners. In fact, studies have shown that when dogs gaze into their owner's eyes, it can trigger the release of oxytocin (the "love hormone"), which strengthens the bond between them.
If you are interested in reading more on the topic, we recommend "The Emotional Lives of Animals" by Marc Bekoff. He discusses how animals, particularly dogs, experience emotions like joy, grief, and empathy and how they can read the emotional states of the humans around them.
Dogs often stare at their owners when they want something. Whether it’s food, attention, or a walk, staring can be a way for dogs to communicate their needs. This behavior is often learned through conditioning—dogs quickly realize that making eye contact with their owner can result in receiving rewards and attention.
There is a lot of research on our dog’s ability to read faces in situational context, differentiate between emotional faces and blank faces, as well read our state of mind based on their memories of interactions with us. If you want to learn more on the subject, we recommend "Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know" by Alexandra Horowitz. Horowitz’s book explores the inner life of dogs, including their ability to perceive human emotions. She delves into how dogs use their senses (especially smell and sight) to understand their owners' emotional states and how they interact with their human companions.
If your dog is staring at you while you’re focused on something else, it could be a subtle request for attention. They may want to play or engage with you in some way. This is particularly common if you tend to reward your dog’s attention-seeking behavior with playtime or treats. Breeds that are typically described as “clingy” include the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, French Bulldog, Golden Retriever, and Pug. If you have one of those in your family, it is likely they often seek attention through eye contact, nose bumps, and pawing.
Playtime with your pet could be viewed as a form of therapy. It is well-established that therapy dogs benefit patients with chronic diseases and can positively affect the growth of children who are significantly affected by stress factors. The next time your dog tries to initiate play, don’t forget that playtime has measurable positive effects on both of you. It may be time for a break, even if you’re supposed to be finishing that report while working from home.
Dogs may also stare at their owners when they are unsure about something. For example, if you pick up your keys or put on your shoes, your dog might stare at you, trying to understand what’s about to happen. They rely on visual cues and body language to anticipate the next steps, looking for guidance on whether they should stay, follow, or prepare for something like a car ride or a walk. As we said at the beginning of this article, we have to use body language, context, and intuition to understand our dogs.
Some dogs stare due to anxiety. This could be triggered by changes in their environment or routine or when they feel threatened by something around them. A stiff body and intense eye contact may indicate discomfort or fear. If a dog’s stare is accompanied by other signs of distress, like panting or trembling, it may be a sign that they are feeling anxious.
If you have an adult dog and you want them to have a new buddy to play at home and grow together, you may be thinking of adopting a puppy. This can cause stress for your loved canine, and they may need a bit of time to learn how to interact with the new member of your family. You may want to read the article on "How to Introduce a New Puppy to Your Dog".
Although rare, staring can also indicate aggression, especially if accompanied by other signs like a tense body posture, growling, or bared teeth. In such cases, the dog might be trying to assert dominance or communicate that they feels threatened. If you are not confident in your skills to handle a dog that is feeling afraid or is being reactive, you may need help from a dog behaviorist.
Nobody wants reactive dogs in their neighborhood, and you probably do not want an incident with your paw partner to be discussed at your local Homeowners' Association meeting or police department. That is why it is important to be educated on how to spot a potential outburst of aggression and differentiate between a fear response and a purposeful attack. We recommend reading: Dog-on-Dog Aggression – What to Do?
Dogs have an incredible ability to read human body language, which is why staring can also be a way for them to assess their owners’ emotions. When dogs stare at you, they could be looking for subtle cues about how you are feeling. If you are stressed, sad, or upset, they may be trying to offer comfort or adjust their behavior accordingly.
Many dogs also use eye contact to build a connection. In fact, some research suggests that, just like with human interactions, mutual gazing between dogs and their owners can deepen the emotional bond. Therefore, it’s important to observe the context and other body language to fully understand what your dog’s stare means. The paper “Dog Breed Differences in Visual Communication with Humans” from 2016 suggests that adult dogs tend to gaze at their owners more frequently and for longer compared to puppies. Additionally, shelter dogs do not stare at people as often as family dogs.
This summary should help clarify why your dog may be staring at you, but each situation can vary depending on your dog’s personality, breed, and the environment. It’s crucial to pay attention to other signs to gauge whether your dog is simply showing affection or if they may be experiencing stress or discomfort.
