Is Your Dog Sad or Just Staring?

Working in the Petcare industries, specifically in regards to pet sitting and dog walking, we get a lot of clients who are very how do I say this in a nice way… Over reactive and exaggerator he with their pets. Rightfully so I am a pet parent and I do have my paranoid and freak out moments as well, But when I am unsure of anything, or some thing, when it comes to my dog or behavior or overall wellness, in general, I reach out to the professionals. This blog is going to talk about your dogs, emotional well-being, and if your dog is truly sad or not…

It’s common for people to misinterpret a dog’s behavior — from thinking a dog must be friendly because they're wagging their tail to misunderstanding the meaning of barking and other vocalizations. Lately, I’ve noticed that many people interpret a dog who is lying down with their head on their paws as "sad" when I don't think that's what going on.

It’s a very endearing look, and while it’s certainly possible that the dog could be sad, that’s not necessarily the case. Usually, the dog is just peacefully resting. This posture is especially common when dogs have had the pleasure of tiring themselves out with exercise.

Typically, a happy, relaxed dog has an open mouth, bright eyes, and bouncy movements. That sort of exuberance in both face and body makes it easy to understand that a dog is in an upbeat emotional state. It’s when a dog is calm that it’s harder to tell if the emotional state is sad or content.

A dog who is lying down with their head on their paws will have a closed mouth, which always makes them look less happy. The eyebrows often move as the dog looks around, which can make a dog look pensive; the dog doesn’t look energetic, which can be confused with sad.

However, a dog who is lying down is likely to be pretty comfortable in the situation since dogs rarely lie down if they are scared or otherwise agitated. Most often, dogs who are lying down with their heads resting on their paws are relaxed and at ease — and that's a good thing.

Possible reasons for dog staring

Your canine companion’s unyielding gaze may hold deeper meanings than meets the eye. Indeed, dog stares are not merely superficial; they can convey a wide range of emotions and intentions

“Some suggest that dog stares signify affection and adoration towards their pet parents,” says Aaron Rice, dog trainer at Stayyy. “On the other hand, it can also be a polite request for attention, food, or a walk.”

Here are some possible motivations behind your dog’s persistent stare:

Reading emotional cues

Dogs are incredibly attuned to human body language and facial expressions. They may stare at you intently to gauge your mood or emotional state, helping them better understand how to respond or interact with you.

Trying to get your attention

Your dog’s gaze might simply be a polite yet awkward way of asking you to pay attention to them. Whether they’re craving a belly rub, a walk, or just some quality time together, dogs often use eye contact as a subtle way to communicate their desires and needs.

Showing affection

Dogs are pros at expressing love and affection, and one way they do this is through prolonged eye contact. When your canine companion stares at you with those big, soulful eyes, it could simply be their way of telling you they love you.

Expressing confusion or concern

Sometimes a dog’s stare isn’t about seeking attention or showing affection; it’s about expressing confusion or concern. If your dog seems to be staring at you with a furrowed brow or a quizzical expression, they may be trying to make sense of something they find puzzling or worrisome. It could be a new environment, a strange noise, or even your own behavior that has them feeling uneasy.

Attempting to stop an interaction

With If you’re approaching your dog and they stare at you intensely, it may mean they don’t want to interact. This will typically also be accompanied by a stiff posture, pulled back ears, and potentially a growl. In this case, it’s important to stop your approach and ensure you’re not making them feel uncomfortable. Continuing forward could result in aggression or other unwanted behavior. 

How to figure out why your dog is staring

You’re probably itching to understand exactly why your dog’s eyes are locked on you — because one, maybe they need something, and two, it’s starting to get a little weird. The key to figuring this out lies in understanding dog body language. 

“Some pet parents may become concerned when their dog’s staring persists, even when their needs are fulfilled,” Rice says. “In such cases, observing their behavior is essential to figure out the underlying cause. While decoding your dog’s behavior may be challenging, some simple body language cues can tell you a lot.”

First, take note of their overall posture and any accompanying behaviors. For example, if your dog’s body is relaxed, their tail is wagging, and they occasionally glance away from you, it’s likely that they’re seeking attention or affection. On the other hand, if they’re standing stiffly with their ears pinned back and their body tense, they might be feeling anxious or uncertain.

Another important clue to pay attention to is the intensity of your dog’s gaze. A soft, relaxed gaze accompanied by a gentle wag of the tail typically indicates feelings of love and contentment. But if your dog’s stare is intense and unyielding, it could suggest that they’re feeling stressed, threatened, or even on high alert. By observing these subtle cues in your dog’s body language, you can gain a better understanding of their emotional state and the motivation behind their prolonged stare.

Is it normal for my dog to stare at me?

Staring can be a normal behavior in dogs, just like it is in humans (admit it, you do it, too). Most of the time, they’re just doing it to communicate emotions, needs, or desires. But there are also situations where it might indicate an underlying issue. The context and duration of the stare are key in determining whether it’s within the realm of typical behavior or if it warrants taking a closer look. 

The point where it could signal something more serious is when your dog’s staring becomes incessant, intense, or accompanied by other concerning behaviors. If your pup’s gaze feels unsettlingly persistent or if they seem to be staring at you with an air of anxiety, aggression, or distress, it’s worth a chat with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist. Any sudden change in your dog’s overall demeanor is worth looking into, staring included.

How can I get my dog to stop staring at me?

As endearing as it may be to have your dog’s undivided attention, there comes a time when you might crave a little space from their intense gaze. But how do you gently nudge your dog to redirect their attention elsewhere? There are a few things you can do: 

• Distraction with treats or toys: When your dog fixates on you with an intense stare, redirect their attention by offering them a tasty treat or engaging them with their favorite toy. This helps shift their focus away from staring and encourages them to engage in something else.

• Use the “look away” command: Teach your dog a cue, such as “look away” or “leave it,” and reward them when they comply by breaking their gaze. Consistently reinforcing this cue helps your dog understand that staring is not the desired behavior.

• Provide mental and physical stimulation:Make sure your dog receives enough mental and physical exercise throughout the day to prevent boredom and excessive staring. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and regular walks or play sessions can help keep your dog mentally stimulated and less inclined to stare.

• Establish boundaries: If your dog’s staring becomes bothersome or intrusive, calmly but firmly communicate your boundaries. Use gentle body language or a verbal cue to signal that staring is not acceptable behavior. Consistency is key to reinforcing these boundaries over time and improving your relationship.

• Seek professional guidance: If your dog’s staring persists despite your efforts to redirect their behavior, consider consulting with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can provide personalized guidance and techniques to address the underlying reasons for your dog’s staring and help modify their behavior effectively.

“Getting your dog to stop staring can be tricky, but with time and patience, your pup will learn plenty of other exciting things to focus on besides staring,” Rice says.

And as for me, I personally love When Gunnar stares at me and looks up at me with those big brown eyes. I. love him to death, and seeing the love in his eyes that he has for me and my hubby is more sweet than anything I can ever describe!