5 reasons your dog stares at you (their gaze decoded)

You feel the eyes before you see them. Your dog. Watching. Waiting. Staring. 👀

Whether it’s while you eat, tie your shoes, or settle on the sofa, many of us have had that moment where our dog locks eyes with us - and doesn’t blink.

So what does it mean when your dog stares at you? And should you be worried — or flattered?

Let’s dig in…

Dog eye contact: what it really means

Eye contact is a big deal in the dog world, but it doesn’t always mean the same thing.

In fact, a dog staring at you could mean anything from:

• “I love you”

• “Can we play now?”

• “Where’s my dinner?”

• to even “I’m not sure how I feel right now.”
  

As with all things dog, context matters - a lot. Dogs are constantly reading our body language and facial expressions. And unlike us, they don’t use words to communicate - so staring can be a way to connect, to ask, or to figure you out.

5 Common Reasons Your Dog Stares At You

1. They want something

Food, a walk, a game - dogs learn quickly that eye contact often leads to action. If your dog’s gaze intensifies every time you go near the treat cupboard or approach the toy box, they’re probably hoping you’ll notice their stare! 

2. They’re looking to you for guidance

Dogs who’ve been trained using positive reinforcement often learn that looking at you pays off. In fact, trainers will often recommend you teach your dog to check in with you. In new situations or uncertain moments, your dog may stare while waiting for the next cue or sign from you.

3. They’re trying to connect

Relaxed, soft eye contact between dogs and humans can release oxytocin - the hormone that helps build trust and love. It’s a little like your dog’s way of saying, “I like being with you.”

4. They’re unsure or uncomfortable

A tense, hard stare can signal stress or uncertainty - especially if it’s accompanied by a stiff posture, closed mouth, or other signs of discomfort. Always look at the full body language to read what’s going on.

5. It’s a breed thing

Some dogs, like Border Collies and other herding breeds, are natural starers. The infamous ‘collie stare’ is a skill we’ve bred into them - perfect for herding sheep, not quite so appreciated in daily family life!  

What about staring while pooping?

Yes, it’s a thing. And no, it’s not just your dog! Dogs often look to us while they’re toileting and it might be because they feel vulnerable and are seeking reassurance. Perhaps it’s their way of saying, ‘You’ve got my back, right?’ (And of course, you do.)

Is it bad to stare back?

It depends on the dog, but we’ll be guided by the human etiquette that tells us staring is rude! A stare is intense, whereby a look or a glance is fleeting and gentle. 

For some dogs, particularly those who are anxious, fearful or reactive - a direct stare can feel intimidating. Rather than getting into a staring contest, why not reach for their favourite toy and take the opportunity to connect in a fun, no pressure way.  

When your dog stares at other dogs...

A long stare at you might be sweet. A long stare at another dog? Not so much.

In the dog world, prolonged eye contact can be seen as rude - even confrontational. What might seem like curious interest from your dog can easily escalate into tension with another.

It might look harmless when they’re a puppy. But left unchecked, it can become a habit that causes stress or sparks conflict.

Here’s what to do instead: focus games!

To avoid awkward (or risky) interactions, teach your dog to focus on you instead of staring down other dogs.

Try this:

1. The “Look at Me” Game

Start at home with no distractions. Hold a treat or toy near your eye and say, “Look.” When your dog makes eye contact, mark it with “yes!” and reward. Gradually build this skill in more distracting environments.

2. Name Response Game

Say your dog’s name in a cheerful tone. When they turn to look at you, reward immediately. This builds a reflex to check in when they hear their name - even around distractions like other dogs.

3. Treat Scatter Interrupt

If your dog is locked on to another dog, interrupt gently by tossing a handful of treats on the ground in front of them. The sniffing breaks the stare and redirects their focus in a positive, low-stress way.

Strengthen the bond behind the stare

At the heart of it, if you’re reading this wondering “why does my dog stare at me?” you’re probably interested in whether you have a strong connection with your dog and whether they love you! 

And the answer is…. almost always YES!

But that bond can grow even deeper - through shared experiences, co-regulated emotions, and one of our favourite tools of all: interactive play.

Playing with your dog (not just tossing a toy and hoping for the best) strengthens your communication, boosts trust, and gives your dog a clear way to connect with you - without needing to stare and guess what you want.

So next time you catch your dog staring, consider it an invitation: ‘Let’s do something together.’