As dog parents, we’ve all watched our dogs poop. But have you ever wondered why they watch us back during the act?
Yes, it can feel awkward to lock eyes with your dog while they’re taking a dump. However, it’s important to understand that your dog isn’t trying to weird you out. Many canine behaviors, no matter how unusual, have perfectly reasonable, science-backed explanations—including this one.
So what does it mean when your dog stares at you while they’re pooping? Let’s dive into the issue and find out!
5 Reasons Why Your Dog Stares at You While They Poop
Let’s discuss the various reasons why your dog stares at you while they’re pooping!
1. They need your protection
In the wild, the act of pooping leaves a canine vulnerable to attack. After all, if a lion suddenly jumps out of a bush, it’s much harder for a wild dog to start running if they’re squatting than if they’re already standing upright. Canines also know that the squatting position makes it easier for predators to sneak on them from behind.
Domestic dogs have inherited many of their wild ancestors’ instincts, so this sense of vulnerability remains whether your pooch is pooping outdoors or in the safety of your yard.
So what does any of this have to do with them staring at you?
Simple: because you are your dog’s beloved companion, they look to you for protection while they’re vulnerable. In other words, when your pet stares at you while they’re pooping, they’re essentially telling you, “Please stand guard over me while I do my business.”
2. They’re protecting you
Your dog expresses their love for you in many ways, from licking your face to playing with you. Of course, one of the biggest indicators that your dog holds you in high regard is their desire to protect you from harm.
Love doesn’t go on bathroom breaks, so a dog’s protectiveness doesn’t stop during defecation. So your pooch staring at you while they’re in the act simply means they’re making sure you’re safe.
You know what they say: love is a two-way street. So while you’re standing guard over your pet while they’re pooping, they’re also standing guard over you!
3. They’re anticipating a reward
If you’ve been training your dog well, then they already know which of their behaviors you approve of and which of them you don’t. They’ve also learned that good behavior is likely not only to make you happy but also to get them rewarded.
Therefore, when your potty-trained dog gazes at you while they’re relieving themselves, they may be anticipating a reward such as a treat or praise.
Dogs absolutely love positive reinforcement, which is why it’s such an effective training technique. The mere possibility of receiving favorable attention excites them. So the next time your dog is dropping a load, consider the possibility that they’re trying to bring a smile to your face!
4. They want to make sure they’re doing the right thing
Maybe you’ve only just begun to potty train your pup, and they’re unsure about what’s wrong and what’s right. When they stare at you mid-poop, they’re probably looking for assurance that you approve of what they’re doing.
Put another way, your pooch observes you for reactions that can answer the questions swirling in their mind, such as, “Am I relieving myself in the right place?” and “Am I about to get praised or scolded for doing this?”
A dog is more likely to engage in this type of nervous staring if you’ve previously been hard on them for pooping in the wrong place. Use this as a reminder that when it comes to training our canine pals, it’s best to use positive reinforcement. Physically hurting or shouting at your dog as punishment for undesirable conduct will only make them prone to fear, anxiety, and stress, which in turn can cause problematic behaviors such as chewing your shoes, digging up the yard, and eating rocks.
5. They love you
Leave it to science to prove once and for all that our dogs love us.
In 2015, a Japanese study showed that when dogs and their owners gazed into each other’s eyes, a hormone called oxytocin was released into their bloodstreams.
Also known as the “love hormone,” oxytocin plays a vital role in social bonding. This hormone increases the attachment between individuals and strengthens the affection and trust they feel toward each other. It’s no surprise oxytocin is also released when the mutual staring is between friends, lovers, or a mother and her infant child.
So when your dog meets your gaze, it’s a sign you’re important to them. But isn’t it odd that they’d express their love for you while they’re fertilizing your yard?
Remember: dogs live in the moment and quite likely don’t feel any shame. This is why they’d hump your guest’s leg and mount another dog during a wedding. If they feel a sudden swell of adoration for you, pooping won’t stop them from gazing lovingly into your eyes.
How to Make Your Dog Feel Safe While They Poop
As discussed above, one of the reasons your dog stares at you while they’re planting excrement in the ground is their need to feel they’re not about to be jumped by a lion. Therefore, it’s your job as their human to make them feel as safe as possible during their moment of vulnerability.
Help your dog feel secure by doing the following things while they’re pooping:
1. Avoid making sudden movements or behaving in any way that could frighten them.
2. Don’t turn around to give your dog privacy; they don’t need it. Keep looking at them, instead.
3. Stay with your dog; don’t walk away and leave them.
4. Talk to them in a soothing tone to reassure them that you approve of what they’re doing.
5. Use the opportunity to watch out for real threats within the vicinity, such as other dogs.
Lastly, if you suspect your dog is suffering from anxiety issues, bring them to a vet or veterinary behaviorist. They can prescribe anti-anxiety medication to improve their mental health.
Final Thoughts
Why does your dog stare at you while they poop? The reasons vary. Your dog could be doing it because they need to feel safe. Or it could be because they want to be rewarded. Or maybe it’s as simple as an expression of love—the awkwardness of the whole situation notwithstanding.
Because this behavior is perfectly natural, there’s no need to worry when you observe it the next time they relieve themselves. Just do what they do: stare back and bask in the essence of their love for you!