This Popular Dog Game Could Be Damaging the Relationship with your Pup

One thing that social media definitely loves is adorable dog videos. People love watching this type of content because a cute dog can bring a smile to anyone’s face after a long day. These videos usually show cute or funny dog antics, which delight people’s hearts and make them want to rewatch again and again. 

Experts Warn: This Popular Dog Game Could Be Damaging Your Relationship

While these videos are purely for fun, they beg the question about the real reason behind the dog’s unusual behavior. Why are they behaving like they are? It may make a video engaging or addictive, but their antics might say something more than we realize. 

In a recent viral Instagram reel, a dog’s behavior has become the talk of the town. The popular account, @pubity, has shared the video on Instagram, showcasing a dog’s reaction to his human’s staring. 

Experts Warn: This Popular Dog Game Could Be Damaging Your Relationship

Watch the Viral Dog Side-Eye

The duo can be seen sitting together in the video while the girl, Isabella Lozovaya, keeps stealing glances at the fluffy dog. At first, the dog is giving side eyes to the girl. When she still doesn’t stop staring, he goes to lick at her face. The inlay text on the video describes that the girl loves to play this game with her dog, where she stares at him to “make him super awkward.” (watch the video below)

What stands out in the video is the dog’s side eye, as it looks hilarious and adorable. in fact, it can be the reason behind the video’s 152K likes and 4K comments. 

Some commenters have pointed out the fact that dogs actually do not like being stared at. A user called Sam Le Cerf wrote, “Yeah, it’s not awkwardness, though, dogs associate lingering eye contact with aggression/dominance. Poor lil guy is literally just trying to avoid a fight by submitting to you by averting his gaze.”

Well, what do experts say?

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Should you stare at your dog?

According to Pet Expert Rocky Kanaka when you stare at dogs, they can get uneasy. This is so because, for them, staring is akin to challenging them or threatening them. They may get the idea that you’re trying to take away their belongings, such as their toys or a chew bone. So, it is advisable to not stare at your dog since they may want to retaliate, thinking you want to fight them, which can lead to barking, jumping, and even biting. 

“When I sit with a shelter dog in their kennel, I often have to look the other way when handing them a treat, to make sure they are comfy with the situation and to avoid confrontation,” Rocky shares.

Experts Warn: This Popular Dog Game Could Be Damaging Your Relationship

In addition, the netizens have been interpreting it as just a cute side-eye. However, they couldn’t be more wrong. 

Dog behavioral experts say that when dogs give “side-eye,” it means that they are scared, anxious, or uncomfortable. 

In the end, it is safe to say that staring at your dog for too long is probably not a good idea and if they’re averting your gaze, you should try to ease their discomfort.