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03/06/2026 4:45 pm
Okay so this has been happening since Bento was a puppy and I still find it a little awkward. He locks eyes with me mid-squat like he's waiting for a response. I always assumed it was a weird quirk but someone at the dog park mentioned it could be about vulnerability, like they feel exposed and want to make sure you're watching out for them.
That actually makes a lot of sense to me? Wild that something so goofy has a real explanation behind it.
I've also read it might just be learned behavior, like if you've ever made eye contact back and smiled or said something to them, you've basically reinforced it. Which... guilty.
Anyway it doesn't bother me, I just feel like I should say something meaningful when it happens and I never know what to do with my face.
Does yours do this too, and have you ever tried NOT looking back to see if it changes anything?
05/06/2026 10:00 pm
Loki does this every single time. The vulnerability thing tracks to me, like they're in a compromised position and you're the lookout. But honestly both explanations can be true at once, the instinct is there AND you've reinforced it by making it A Whole Moment. Not a problem either way.
07/06/2026 10:15 pm
Okay so Pepper does this and I have never once looked away, so I've definitely made it worse lol. The vulnerability thing is the explanation that clicked for me too, like she's just checking that I'm on guard duty. Diego's point about both things being true at once is probably exactly it.
10/06/2026 3:15 pm
Aurora does this, Sky somehow never has, same household same everything. The vulnerability explanation is the one my vet mentioned offhand once and it stuck with me. Honestly I just give a little nod now like yes I see you, I got the perimeter, we're good.
11/06/2026 12:30 am
Pip does this, and I do the same as Wendy, a little nod, very solemn, like we've made a pact. My old cavalier Rosie used to turn and look back at me mid-squat with this very dignified expression, as if she wanted no fuss made about it but also absolutely required a witness. You can't win really.