Dogs really ARE Miracles with Paws!!

Saturday, April 28, 2012

The Look of Love


It’s not hard to imagine why a loyal dog might stare devotedly at his master. It’s the stuff of Old Yeller, White Fang and Lassie –– starers, all. But some dogs take staring to extremes, following their owners around with baleful eyes as if expecting links of sausage to fly from their human’s fingertips.
Let’s face it: Dogs love their owners, but when they stare expectantly, it’s not usually because they’re trapped in a reverie of devotion. Rather, it’s because they’re thinking they might get something. And usually, that “something” involves a tasty snack.
But dogs can—and do—stare at their owners for plenty of non-food issues, too. Indeed, anything a dog might want that a human can provide could be the source of the staring behavior, from a fun game of fetch to a ride in the car or a long run.
Then there’s the possibility that a dog is simply seeking attention in any form, or perhaps she’s merely waiting for praise or direction. Some dogs may just be trying to read an emotion in our human facial expressions.
In any case, staring is typically considered to be a good thing. In fact, most trainers encourage dogs to stare at their owners while awaiting their cues. And if you’ve never done it, gazing deeply into a dog’s eyes can be a highly rewarding pastime.
Before you try it, be aware that staring directly into a dog’s eyes can be considered a direct challenge. That’s why mutual staring is an activity that’s only to be encouraged within the context of a healthy dog-human relationship unsullied by any taint of aggression or behavioral abnormalities.
Thanks vetstreet!

18 comments:

Katya said...

I LOVE those adoring stares. Scotties are NOT known for showing affection, so a glance and seeing Murphy staring at me is REALLY amazing! Funny, tho, as I took a series of Murphy "staring upwards". I am going to post those on my blog...I thought they were so cute. Actually, tho, Ben was holding a "cookie" up over him!!!! Yes, Scotties are known to be 100% FOOD-DRIVEN!!!!!

Donna said...

Awwww! Cute shot!
Sometimes I'll stare at our Buddy the raise my hands like a bear pretending I'm going to attack...Hahaaaa... He instantly runs and gets his " baby" and starts fighting it playfully... Buddy has really filled hubby and my heart with so much laughter...
Hughugs

Bassetmomma said...

Nothing melts your heart faster than that "look of love" from your pet!

Finn said...

I woke up to FInn staring at me this morning. It was not a pleasant sight! IT was definitely for a tasty treat!

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Mom says it is amazing how much one can learn from staring into our eyes. Phantom is the master here of conveying what he wants with his eyes:)

Cute pic.

Woos - Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning

silvieon4 said...

If you are not following THE routine, The Wendy will be staring at you trying to anticipate what is next. Her past and the abuse she has endured apparently left her fearful, always. So, we reassure, reassure, reassure. Mutual staring is part of that reassurance. And she does have beautiful eyes, soulful and gentle. :)

jen said...

Oh boy! Leroy stares at me all the time! I have no idea what is going on in that big head of his!

Ron said...

Excellent post, Jeanne!

VERY interesting and informative.

Having had cats as pets for most of my adult life, I noticed that they stare too.

I had no idea about the 'staring' thing, but it makes perfect sense!

Thanks for sharing, dear lady!

Happy Saturday!

X to you and the girlz!

Berts Blog said...

That is some good advice. WE teach that to kids when we do our search and rescue demonstrations. I bet you wouldn't be surprised at how many kids, just run in to a stranger dog, staring at them, grabbing their fluffy heads ect.

Thanks for posting it.

bert

NanaNor's said...

Good Morning, I love the photo of your girl-we have our Bichon grandpup, starting tomorrow for 4 days-I can't wait. Did I miss a post about Molly and who she is? Hope it goes o.k. adn there aren't too many tears.
Hugs, Noreen

FANCY the Red Standard Poodle said...

Hi Y'all,

Hoppin' by to say "hello" and see how y'all are doing. I don't think i take staring to excess, but I do watch for signals when out and about or training.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Y'all come by now,
Hawk aka BrownDog

Smile With Your Tail said...

Nothing like a bit of love dog to dog mum!

Have a great weekend!

Slobbers

NanaNor's said...

Hi again, I guess my mind is still on Kauai time because I didn't mean to ask about Molly(I am still sleep deprived)....Have a great Sunday.
Hugs,Noreen

Kolchak Puggle said...

I like to imagine that Koly and I are staring lovingly into each other's eyes, but in reality? I think he might be plotting my death and searching my eyes for signs of weakness.

KSO said...

Love this post! After I read it I snuggled with Betty and waited to see if she would stare back, low and behold she did and licked my face while doing it!!

Ann said...

aw, love that sweet little face. Duke is a big starer and most of the time he wants a treat :)

faye said...

she is so sweet and that is a look of adoration...... for Bob that is exactly
what Teas will do... then for me it is a look to remind me to stay away from
her Bob.

Kari in Alaska said...

There is so much to learn from looking into the eyes

Stop on by for a visit
Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com/