We’re all occasionally amazed by our dogs’ quirky behaviors. One puzzling habit is how they stare at their owners while they’re doing their business. Curious to know why? Read on to uncover the mystery behind this intriguing behavior.
Our furry friends bring us so much joy, protection, and love. Yet, their odd habits can still leave us scratching our heads.
Dogs have plenty of quirky behaviors that never fail to fascinate us. They love munching on anything they come across, often sniff each other’s behinds, and chasing their own tails seems to be an endless source of amusement.
One particularly curious behavior is how many dogs stare directly into their owner’s eyes while they’re doing their business. It’s a common sight that leaves many of us wondering why they do this.
Why your dog stares at you while pooping
According to dog expert Madeline Friedman, the answer lies in the fact that dogs feel vulnerable while they’re pooping. They stare at their owners as a way of seeking reassurance and protection during this time.
”The feeling of being vulnerable is left over from their wild ancestor, the wolf, who still has to fend for himself in the wild. I think dogs are making sure we have their backs while they’re in that vulnerable position for an extended period of time,” Friedman told The Dodo.
So, dogs seek protection from us while they’re doing their business. But there are a few more reasons why they make eye contact during this time.
For instance, some dogs were rewarded as puppies for pooping outside, and they might still be hoping for a treat. Alternatively, your dog might feel uncertain about whether it’s okay to go in that spot and might be looking for permission from you before doing so.
”If a dog should stare at its owner when relieving itself, he is most likely checking for approval to be sure that he is using the correct location,” Nick Jones, dog behaviorist and trainer with Alpha Dog Behaviour in London, explains.
”Perhaps if an owner had previously scolded their dog for pooping in the wrong area, this could cause anxiety in the dog as a result.”
Several reasons
While these explanations are insightful, Dr. Sonja Olson from BluePearl Veterinary Partners offers another perspective. She says that your dog might be trying to communicate with you during this time.
“By making eye contact, your dog could be asking permission for something,” Olson told The Dodo. “Or your dog could be asking for privacy. All this can vary according to breed, your relationship to the dog and other factors. Or maybe it’s you that’s initiating and holding the eye contact.”
With this insight, we can better understand our furry friends!
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