You see the dog’s eye, right? This is when they keep their head still but move their eyes to check something or someone. This creates that familiar look of doubt, and judgment.
And although it looks funny, there are some important ways to be aware of when determining why our dogs do it.
Depression, Anxiety, or Restlessness
When dogs give a side eye (or show many whites in their eye) due to stress it is often called whale eye. Looking directly into the eyes can feel threatening to dogs (it’s disrespectful and it’s antagonizing between dog and dog, so turning their head while they’re still alert avoids climbing while showing discomfort.
This often happens when they feel pressured and uncomfortable, such as grooming, nail trimming, visits to the vet, being hugged too tightly, or when personal space is invaded. It can be an early warning sign, a tantrum, or an avoidance.
Other signs of stress to look for in the side eye include a stiff body, a bent tail, licking of the lips, yawning, or panting.
Monitoring Resources
Does your dog growl to keep you away from his food and/or toys? If so it’s called resource guarding, and most dogs show the side eye when they don’t want to share something.
Dogs may look away when they are protecting something valuable, such as food, a toy, a bone, or a favorite spot on the couch. It’s their way of saying “I’m watching you, back off” without directly confronting them.
Tip: If your dog has resource monitoring check out these 5 tips to reduce the behavior.
Curiosity, wariness, or mild irritation
Sometimes a dog’s side eye isn’t really dangerous, it’s just an indication that it’s curious about something going on around it. My dog does it every time he’s on the couch with his head on the pillow; he is too relaxed to move his head to see what is going on.
If your dog gives the side eye while in a comfortable position he may be intrigued by something like a new sound or object, but not startled enough to fully commit. They just sit and watch the situation.
It can also show a little irritation or “I’m not happy about this” (if you disturb their sleep or take something fun). In play situations, it may just be that your dog is too patient.
with papu
Natural Communication
In dog tracks approaching from the sides and avoiding direct eye contact helps to say “I am not a threat.” Some dogs extend this to people and may look away rather than straight at you.
Certain breeds with prominent or bulging eyes (such as flat-faced brachycephalic breeds such as the Bulldog) show a naturally visible white, making the side eye more prominent.
Evolutionarily, dogs became more visible in their eyes than most mammals, probably because humans selected for clear faces that aided in communication during domestication. This makes their “side eye” especially noticeable to us.
Response Method
When it comes to how to get your dogs eye contact you need to learn their full body language. Tail wagging and loose posture may indicate playful curiosity. Stiffness or coldness suggests real discomfort and it’s time to give them some space or remove them from a stressful situation.
Never punish your dog’s eye to the side; communication, not disrespect. They are trying to communicate with you, and the last thing you want is to make them even more uncomfortable giving signals. If your dog can’t show you that he is uncomfortable, he will bite without warning. Work to solve the problem, not penalize communication.
If your dog is acting out of fear or anxiety, remove the stressor and work to de-escalate the situation. If it is frequent or paired with other symptoms such as aggression or hiding, consult a veterinarian or certified behaviorist to rule out pain, illness, or anxiety issues.
In short, your dog’s side eye is usually caused by stress or curiosity; reading their body language for context will give you the full story.
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