Is It Normal for My Dog to Stare? Why Does My Dog Look at Me When He Eats?

So, the other day I noticed something kind of weird while I was feeding my dog, Buddy. Every time I put his bowl down, he’d gobble up a few bites, then look right up at me, then go back to eating, and repeat. It got me thinking, “Why does he keep staring at me when he eats?” I mean, it’s kinda cute but also a little strange, right?

I started watching him more closely during meal times. It wasn’t just a one-time thing. He did it every single time! It was like he was checking in with me or something. I even tried moving around the room to see if he was just following my movements, but nope, he was definitely making eye contact. It was like he wanted to make sure I was still there or give me some sort of silent thank you.

I did a little digging online, just to see if this was normal dog behavior. Turns out, a lot of people have wondered the same thing. And there are a few different reasons why our furry friends might do this.

• They are checking your reaction. They do this sometimes to make sure you approve of them eating. They just want to know you are happy with them.
• They are showing their appreciation. Dogs are pack animals, right? So, looking at you while they eat could be a way of acknowledging you as the pack leader who provided the food. It’s kind of a respect thing.
• They might be feeling a bit vulnerable. When they’re chowing down, they’re in a pretty vulnerable position. So, looking at you could be a way of making sure you’ve got their back in case, you know, a squirrel suddenly attacks.

After figuring all this stuff, I decided to test a theory. The next time I fed Buddy, I made sure to give him lots of reassuring words and gentle pats while he was eating. And guess what? He seemed to relax a bit more and didn’t look up at me quite as much. I think he was seeking for some reassurance.

I also tried something else. I pretended to be super interested in his food, like I was going to take it away. What would you know, he stopped eating and stared right at me, maybe a little worried. So, that confirmed it for me – he was definitely looking to me for cues and security.

This whole thing has made me realize how much our dogs rely on us, not just for food, but for emotional support too. It’s a two-way street, you know? We take care of them, and they look to us for guidance and reassurance. It’s a pretty special bond we have with our furry companions.

My Conclusion

Dogs looking at their owners when eating is totally normal. They may do it to show appreciation, seek security, or just make sure they’re doing okay in your eyes. It’s a reminder of the strong bond and mutual trust we share with them. I’ll definitely be paying more attention to Buddy’s cues from now on and making sure he feels safe and loved, especially during meal times. And I will give him more verbal praise and physical touch during his eating time, I think this will make him more relaxed and secure. That’s my boy!