• News
  • Life
  • TV & Film
  • Beauty
  • Style
  • Home
  • News
    • Celebrity
    • Entertainment
    • Politics
    • Royal Family
  • Life
    • Animals
    • Food & Drink
    • Women's Health
    • Mental Health
    • Sex & Relationships
    • Travel
    • Real Life
  • TV & Film
    • True Crime
    • Documentaries
    • Netflix
    • BBC
    • ITV
    • Tyla Recommends
  • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Make-up
    • Skincare
  • Style
    • Home
    • Fashion
    • Shopping
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • UNILAD
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
Submit Your Content
Sad reason your dog stares at you when having a poo

Home> Life> True Life

Published 11:01 4 Jun 2025 GMT+1

Sad reason your dog stares at you when having a poo

Most dog owners have witnessed the uncomfortable gaze while their pet does their business

Mia Williams

Mia Williams

The reason that dogs look to their owners while pooping has been revealed, as experts say it may indicate a 'deep bond'.

If you've ever experienced the awkward glare from your furry friend when they're in the middle of going to the toilet, you might have wondered why exactly they choose this moment to have a staring contest.

What follows is a kind of awkward look away and look back fiasco, ensuring not to lose sight of the poo that you need to pick up within the next few seconds.

Advert

But it turns out that there's actually quite a sad reason behind the strange habit, and it could highlight the 'bond' that people have with their dogs.

In fact, there's a couple of theories why it might happen - because we can't actually get inside the minds of our pets, unfortunately.

They're looking for protection

The awkward gaze is apparently for a specific reason (Getty Stock Image)
The awkward gaze is apparently for a specific reason (Getty Stock Image)

Advert

The most popular theory explaining the awkward gaze is about seeking protection and reassurance.

In the wild, taking a moment to poo makes an animal vulnerable to predators, and it's a instinct that dogs might still carry with them.

Experts at VCA Animal Hospitals suggest that dogs could be seeking reassurance and protection from their trusted human companions during such times.

READ MORE:

Advert

PET OWNERS ONLY JUST LEARNING REAL REASON THEIR DOGS 'BOOF'

OUTRAGE AS PEOPLE TRUSTED MAN TO CREMATE PETS ONLY TO 'DISCOVER SHOCKING TRUTH'

They could also be watching to see if your body language changes to indicate danger.

Other experts have suggested that prolonged eye contact with your dog could deepen your bond, so glaring at them while they poo could actually be a wholesome thing!

Positive reinforcement

Dogs may remember positive reinforcement from toilet training as puppies (Getty Stock Image)
Dogs may remember positive reinforcement from toilet training as puppies (Getty Stock Image)

Advert

When puppies are trained to go to the toilet, owners often reward their tiny besties with treats or praise.

And it's likely that adult dogs don't forget about this positive reinforcement.

Despite dog owners usually stopping the treats when their pups are fully toilet trained, the sentiment apparently doesn't leave them.

It's been suggested that the awkward stare could be your dog seeking approval for going to the toilet.

Advert

Other dogs sometimes prefer a bit of privacy, and tend to hide behind a tree or a plant to avoid the awkward eye contact moment.

As owners, of course we generally prefer this too, but it seems there's a lot we'll put up with for our furry friends.

Even if it does mean we have to endure a staring contest while they do their business.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Image

Topics: Dog, Animals, True Life

Mia Williams
Mia Williams

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

a day ago
  • a day ago

    Pilot has message for anyone who’s scared of flying following ‘bad year’ for crashes

    Tyla spoke with Nick Eades, an experienced former pilot who has six decades of flying under his belt

    Life
  • a day ago

    Swimming teacher has terrifying warning against putting towel around kids' shoulders

    Certified ISR swim instructor and water safety advocate Nikki Scarnati issued her advice to parents last year

    Life
  • a day ago

    Devastated couple issue warning over kissing babies after their newborn dies

    A Sussex couple are raising awareness of the dangers of kissing babies, after losing their newborn at just one month-old

    Life
  • a day ago

    Viral mukbang video leaves people feeling seriously uncomfortable after they find out 'spooky' truth behind it

    It now has over 1.5 million views - but can you tell what's different about this mukbang video?

    Life
  • Vet reveals reason why you should never throw sticks for your dog
  • There’s a reason your dog hates you watching Severance
  • Urgent Christmas warning issued to anyone who owns a dog
  • Warning over when it’s too hot to walk your dog as temperatures rise in the UK this weekend