As dog owners, we have all experienced that moment when we lock eyes with our furry friend and feel an indescribable connection.

It turns out that this is no coincidence; dogs have a powerful gaze that has been honed by evolution to communicate with humans and other animals.

The Evolution of Dog Gazing

Dogs are descended from wolves, who are pack animals. In the wild, wolves rely heavily on body language and eye contact to communicate with each other. Scientists believe that when dogs were domesticated, this behavior was amplified.

Over time, dogs developed a unique ability to look directly into a human’s eyes in order to communicate and bond with them.

Studies have shown that when a dog and their owner gaze into each other’s eyes, both parties experience an increase in the hormone oxytocin.

This hormone is often referred to as the “bonding hormone” because it is associated with feelings of love and trust. This means that the gaze between a dog and their owner can strengthen the bond between them.

The Power of Eye Contact

The power of a dog’s gaze goes beyond just bonding with their owner. Dogs use eye contact to communicate with other dogs and animals as well. For example, a dominant dog may stare down a submissive dog to assert their authority.

On the other hand, a dog in a submissive position may avert their gaze to show deference to a more dominant dog.

Eye contact is also a key component of training. When we teach our dogs basic obedience, we use eye contact to get their attention and guide their behavior.

For example, when we say “sit” we may make eye contact with our dog and use a hand gesture to signal them to sit down.

The Importance of Eye Contact in Socialization

Dogs use their gaze as a way to read body language and social cues from other animals and humans. This is especially important during the socialization period of a dog’s life.

Socialization occurs between the ages of 3-14 weeks and is a critical time for puppies to learn about the world around them. During this time, puppies learn how to interact with other dogs, humans, and different environments.

When a puppy meets a new person or animal, they use their gaze to read their body language and determine if the new encounter is safe. For example, if a person approaches a puppy in a friendly manner, the puppy may wag their tail and make eye contact.

However, if a person approaches the puppy aggressively or in an unsafe manner, the puppy may avert their gaze and back away.

Tips for Building a Stronger Bond with Your Dog Through Eye Contact

If you’re looking to strengthen your bond with your furry friend, there are several things you can do to harness the power of their gaze.

Make Eye Contact During Training

When you’re teaching your dog new commands, make sure to maintain eye contact. This will help your dog stay focused on you and understand what you’re asking them to do.

Play Eye Contact Games

You can play games with your dog that involve eye contact. For example, hold a treat up to your eye and make your dog look into your eyes before giving them the treat.

Or, play “staring contests” with your dog and see who can hold eye contact the longest.

Use Eye Contact During Walks and Playtime

When you’re out for walks or playing with your dog, make eye contact frequently. This will help strengthen your bond and let your dog know that you’re fully engaged with them.

Give Your Dog Time to Gaze

Finally, don’t be afraid to simply spend some time gazing into your dog’s eyes. This can be a powerful bonding experience for both of you and can help deepen your relationship.

Conclusion

Dogs have a powerful gaze that has evolved to help them communicate with humans and other animals. By understanding the importance of eye contact, we can strengthen our bond with our furry friends and help them navigate the world around them.