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Question about dominence and staring Posted by Katrina on April 15, 2008, 8:42 pm 76.100.110.42 I saw this on another message board. Someone asked why does their dog stare at them (my dog does this too) and, someone said, that "the dog is trying to learn the owner's facial expressions and its some form of mapping." Someone else said "the dog is dominant and could become aggressive", another person said "attention." I know this may be a somewhat silly question but, what are your opinions? Why do you think a dog would sit and stare at its owner? When my dog does it, I make eye contact with him and he looks away for a second then, stares again. My other dogs never did this, except one.  Post a Response

Re: Question about dominence and staring Posted by Admin JD on April 15, 2008, 9:07 pm, in reply to "Question about dominence and staring" 74.78.141.105 I dont think it is one thing, Most of my dogs stare at me when I am eating and that is a begging look into my eyes and PLLLLLLLEASE give me food. Others when no food is around If I look down at them all stare away, some drop and roll show belly. I have one dog I did not raise here that tried that staring down crap a few times- challenged- he growled he got NO FOODDDDDD - He soon learned IM dam alpha and he now looks away figuring out that was it worth it not getting food? nope problem solving inteligence is a god send in working dogs. Love to make fun of the hubby if he saw this pic he would kill me.. So no matter the breed each dog is different and no exact science of dog training and behavior will ever be 100% especially on net boards.  Post a Response

Re: Question about dominence and staring Posted by Sara R on April 15, 2008, 10:07 pm, in reply to "Question about dominence and staring" 69.146.141.154 I have dogs who stare at me... sometimes it's a dominant thing...my Tree Fiest does it and it's all dominance. My Whippet does it, it's all dominance... My Chinese Crested does it...frankly I think his is boredom...LOL... He never postures, he's never shown dominance to any of our pack, not even us and he's always stared...kinda like staring off in lalla land. My mom loves it, because she swears he has human eyes...LOL...like he's sitting there pondering the meaning of life. I'm really not joking there. My Hermionee, the Boerboel stares as a form of dominance as well. Mostly when she wants something and is technically demanding something from me...they all stare at that point. The rest of them don't stare at me or look directly into my eyes...if they do, it's dominance... Dauby though, the Chinese Crested...he stares, into my eyes or anyone elses...maybe he's mapping! One thing is certain though, he's under no dilusions who's boss around here. Sara  Post a Response

Re: Question about dominence and staring Posted by Katrina on April 15, 2008, 10:08 pm, in reply to "Re: Question about dominence and staring" 76.100.110.42 Mine will stare even if I'm not eating, and he stares for a LONG time. I'll stare back, then he'll look away then ,stare some more then, look away.He'll even lean to the side and stare from around the wall while I'm at me desk.He doesn't seem dominant, he seem more submissive.  Post a Response

Re: Question about dominence and staring Posted by Katrina on April 15, 2008, 10:14 pm, in reply to "Re: Question about dominence and staring" 76.100.110.42 Mine doesn't posture. He sits down, (like an old man), and stares.When I stare back, he puts his ears down and head down and look away, then stare again. Maybe he's bored, he usually does this when Im watching t.v., reading or at my desk. He doesn't stare at my mother. He'll glance at her then, sit down, get comfortable and start staring, lol.  Post a Response

Re: Question about dominence and staring Posted by Karen on April 16, 2008, 7:07 am, in reply to "Question about dominence and staring" 76.21.226.117 It could be dominance or dogs aso do not see the same as humans and may have to look harder at things, some breeds are triggered more by movement and will sit and wait for that movement, other breeds are bred to see something of interest and stare (point) until the humans comes along. There could be many reasons for this. Staring can be considered a THREAT in dog speak - not necessarily dominance but one of the early body language signs stating I am uncomfortable with this and want you to back off... Without seeing the dog, knowing the breed or cross or the situation, the best you can be given is the reasons - or at east some - why a dog may stare.  Post a Response

Re: Question about dominence and staring Posted by Katrina on April 16, 2008, 9:33 pm, in reply to "Re: Question about dominence and staring" 69.140.235.14 He is a EM mix pup (7 months now). I had an AB a long time ago that stared literally for an hour or more. The only time the pup stares is when I'm not active (sitting down, watching t.v. or reading). When I'm laying down, eating, or when we walk for hours at the park and we sit and rest, he doesn't stare. He also likes to put his paw on me sometimes (like he's giving me his paw to shake). Some people says this is also dominance but, he seems submissive and has a soft temperament. I have had a hard temperament, dominant dog before too. He's very calm and well behaved. I can take him anywhere. He's quiet and and doesn't chew much. The staring is the only thing about him I haven't figured out yet.  Post a Response

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