The Surprising Benefits of Gazing Into Your Dog’s Eyes
Have you ever locked eyes with your dog and felt an inexplicable warmth wash over you? It’s not just you. While prolonged staring is not recommended, gazing lovingly at your dog can actually make the two of you feel closer. This exchange–is rooted in biology, emotion, and trust. Let’s explore what’s really happening when you gaze at your pup.
Releases Oxytocin
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When you and your dog exchange gazes, both of your brains release oxytocin, often dubbed the “love hormone.” This is the same chemical that bonds mothers to their babies. Just a few seconds of mutual gaze can increase oxytocin levels in both species and strengthen the bond you share.
Forms Emotional Synchrony
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You might think your dog is just being adorable when they look at you, but science suggests there’s more to it. Studies have shown that during moments of eye contact, dogs and their humans experience synchronized brain activity. This emotional mirroring creates a deeper understanding between you and your furry companion.
Stress Relief
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Life is stressful. There are bills to pay, and emails to answer, and don’t even get us started on traffic. But lovingly gazing at your dog can relieve some of that stress. This is mainly because the extra oxytocin you get lowers cortisol levels (that’s the stress hormone) and gives you a quick dose of calm.
Helps Understand Your Dog’s Emotional State
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Dogs wear their emotions on their faces, and their eyes are often the clearest indicators of what they’re feeling. A soft, relaxed gaze usually means they’re content, while a wide-eyed look might signal excitement or curiosity. Learning to read these subtle cues can deepen your understanding of your dog’s emotional needs
The Surprising Risks of Staring at Your Dog
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Having talked about all the benefits of gazing at your dog, it’s also important to keep some risks in mind, especially if the gaze becomes a bit too prolonged.
Confrontation
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While some dogs will adore your gaze, many dogs won’t naturally understand a prolonged gaze as a gesture of love. Instead, they may interpret it as a challenge or a signal of dominance. In the wild, eye contact between animals often precedes a confrontation. Even our domesticated dogs haven’t completely shed these instincts, which means your well-meaning look could accidentally set off alarm bells in their heads.
Aggression Isn’t Always Far Away
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Here’s where it gets tricky: a dog feeling cornered or challenged might react defensively. This doesn’t mean your dog is “bad” or unpredictable—it’s just instinct. A defensive response could range from a warning growl to a snap, depending on how threatened the dog feels. And while this might seem like an extreme reaction, it’s a dog’s way of asking for space when their comfort zone is crossed.
Stress
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If you’ve ever noticed your dog yawning, licking its lips, or glancing away while you’re holding its gaze, those are subtle signs of stress. Dogs communicate their discomfort through body language. Make sure to stay attentive to these signs as they can lead to chronic stress for your dog, which can impact everything from their appetite to their overall mood.
Hindrance to Training
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In a training setting, staring can undermine progress. A dog that associates eye contact with negative experiences may become less responsive to commands. Instead of building trust, the dog may grow wary of its owner, which will lead to setbacks in training efforts.
Escalation with Unknown Dogs
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Staring can be particularly risky when interacting with unfamiliar dogs. An unknown dog might perceive a stranger’s stare as a direct threat, which could potentially lead to sudden and unpredictable reactions, including lunging or biting.