Loving eye contact triggers oxytocin in both species. It helps strengthen mutual bonds.
Affection
Direct eye contact signals a desire to interact or need something from their caregiver.
Attention
Dogs study human facial cues the same way we read dog body language for understanding.
Reading Faces
Deferred eye contact conveys respect, acknowledges hierarchy and avoids confrontation.
Submission
Breaking tense stare-downs helps ease distress when dogs feel nervous or unsure.
Anxiety
That swearing your dog is somehow reading your mind through intense gazes might have some merit!
Telepathy
Non-stop eye contact gets annoying but usually reflects a dog’s innate curiosity and focus.
Just Being Dogs