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You’re out for a walk, and your dog finds the perfect spot, squats down, and locks eyes with you. It’s intense, a little awkward, and, honestly, unsettling. Why does your dog insist on staring at you while they poop? Are they judging you? Are they embarrassed? While this behavior may seem odd (or downright creepy), there’s actually a lot more going on than you might think. Dogs don’t just stare at you while doing their business for no reason—deep-rooted instincts, pack behaviors, and even emotional connections are at play.
See You as Their Security Guard
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Dogs are instinctively vulnerable when they poop. Going to the bathroom in the wild meant letting their guard down to potential predators. Since your dog sees you as their pack leader, they stare at you for reassurance, ensuring you’re watching their back. Your dog says, “I trust you to protect me while I do this.” No pressure, though.
They’re Waiting for Your Approval
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Some dogs treat everything—everything—as a team effort, including pooping. If your dog has been house-trained with positive reinforcement, they might stare at you while pooping because they’re expecting praise. They think, “I’m doing the right thing, right? You’ll tell me I’m a good dog, right?” If they could, they’d probably hold up a sign that says, “10/10 potty performance?”
They’re Checking for Danger (Even If the Only Danger Is a Squirrel)
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Even though your backyard isn’t exactly the wild, your dog’s instincts don’t know that. Dogs are hardwired to be on alert while in a vulnerable position, so they maintain eye contact to ensure you’re scanning for potential threats. That “threat” could be anything from an actual predator (unlikely) to the neighbor’s cat (highly likely).
It’s a Bonding Moment (Whether You Like It or Not)
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Believe it or not, your dog sees you staring back as a shared experience. Eye contact is a sign of trust and connection in the canine world. While you may not want to bond with your dog during their most private moment, they don’t see it that way. To them, you watching means, “We’re in this together.” (You are definitely not.)
Want to Know What’s Next
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Dogs are creatures of routine, and if pooping is followed by something fun—like a walk, treats, or heading back inside—they might be staring to see what’s coming next. They’re basically saying, “I’m handling this part, now what’s the game plan?” It’s less about the act itself and more about the exciting possibilities that follow.
They’re a Little Uncomfortable, Too
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Let’s face it—dogs do a lot of weird things, but even they might feel a little awkward about pooping in front of you. Some dogs seem to stare as if to say, “I feel weird about this, but I need you to stay with me.” It’s a mix of vulnerability and trust, like asking a friend to stand outside the dressing room while you try on clothes.
They’re Expecting a Reward (Even Though You Definitely Didn’t Promise One)
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If your dog has ever received a treat after going potty in the right place, they never forget it. They stare at you because they’re waiting for that post-poop reward—even if that reward happened once six months ago. Dogs are surprisingly good at remembering moments that benefited them, so if they think there’s a chance of a treat, they’ll keep staring until they get one.
They’re Mirroring Your Behavior
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Dogs are experts at reading human emotions and body language. If you tend to watch them while they poop (which, let’s be honest, we all do), they might just be mirroring your gaze. Dogs naturally pick up on our habits, so if you always make eye contact, they might assume that’s just how this whole “poop time” thing works.
They’re Looking for a Signal That It’s Safe to Proceed
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Some dogs get so fixated on their owners that they won’t even poop unless they feel completely safe. They stare at you to see if you’re relaxed, tense, or distracted. If you look calm, they know finishing the job is okay. They might pause and reconsider if you suddenly react to something (even if it’s just checking your phone).
They Just Really, Really Love You
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Some dogs are so emotionally attached to their owners that they never want to break eye contact—even when pooping. If your dog is a velcro dog that follows you everywhere, staring at you mid-poop is another way to maintain that connection. They don’t see it as an awkward moment—they see it as quality time.
They’re Secretly Trying to Make You Uncomfortable (Because It’s Funny)
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Okay, maybe not really, but some dogs definitely seem to enjoy making things weird. If your dog has a mischievous streak, there’s a chance they’re staring just to see how long it takes before you break eye contact. Dogs love getting reactions out of their humans, and if they notice this behavior makes you uncomfortable, they might just keep doing it for their own amusement.
A Love Story You Never Asked For
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If you’ve ever felt like your dog’s intense stare during potty time was a little too much, you’re not alone. But whether they’re looking for protection, approval, or just testing your ability to handle awkward moments, one thing is certain—your dog trusts you completely. That unwavering eye contact is their way of saying, “I feel safe with you,” even if it makes you question your existence. To them, you’re their trusted guardian, security detail, and favorite human—no matter how awkward the moment may be.
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