Most dog owners will be familiar with the following scene: you take your dog out for its mandatory walk, and when your pet starts doing its business, you make eye contact with it. But why do you do this? According to experts, there may be several reasons for this behavior.

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The above behavior is strange yet common, and there is no single, definitive explanation for it. Nevertheless, numerous theories have been put forward as to why dogs look at their owners while defecating. We will discuss three of these theories here. First, we would like to note that the following theories are not mutually exclusive; in certain situations, one may motivate our pet's strange behavior, while in others, another may be the cause. However, whatever the reason behind the "staring," it is important to know that this behavior is only unusual or unpleasant to us, but completely normal from our dog's point of view – just as it is normal if they do not do this.

Not all dogs watch their owners while they go about their business, and that's perfectly fine

Why does your dog stare at you while pooping?

1.) You are in its field of vision

The simplest explanation is that your dog is not seeking your gaze, but simply that you happen to be in its field of vision. Defecation is a simple bodily function, one of the most natural things animals can do, so there is no need to overanalyze it. Of course, exceptions to this rule are when the process seems to be difficult for the dog, causes it pain, or differs in any way from what it is used to.

You're probably just in their field of vision. Dogs don't look away because they're ashamed; that's a human trait.

– says Dana Fedman, Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC).

2.) They are in a vulnerable position, so they seek security

Another frequently mentioned option is that our pets look at us while defecating because they feel vulnerable. This is primarily attributed to instinct, as this action creates a vulnerable situation for mammals, so it is not too far-fetched to think that our dogs also feel unsafe when squatting in an open space. This is why they scan their surroundings or fix their gaze on the person who provides them with security: their owner. In a harmonious dog-owner relationship, the dog turns to its caregiver with trust, so this behavior may be one of the "symptoms" of this.

3.) The result of house training

Most owners use treats as part of the house training process, and it is also common to teach pets to relieve themselves on command (whether it be number one or number two). This can easily lead to the dog looking at its owner after doing its business, because it is waiting for a reward or praise, in other words, some kind of reinforcement. After a while, this may no longer be a conscious action, but a habit, as natural as relieving itself.

What is the protocol in such cases?

Anyone who frequently experiences this behavior from their dog has surely wondered what they should do as an owner. However, there is no universal answer to this question, as the appropriate response depends on a number of factors, such as the rules of the particular dog-owner relationship, the context, the environment, and so on. It is perfectly fine to look away, as it is to maintain eye contact with your pet for a short time or even nod encouragingly before looking away from your four-legged friend. There are no hard and fast rules in this situation; it is much more important to recognize what your dog may need and what is comfortable for you.

And while we're on this sensitive topic, it's important to note that regardless of how we react to our pet's browsing behavior, as responsible owners, we must always pick up after them. As unpleasant as this task may be, it provides an excellent opportunity to gain insight into the health of our dog's digestive system.

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