If you’ve ever locked eyes with your dog while they’re mid-squat in the yard, you’ve probably thought: What are you doing? Can I help you?
It’s awkward. It’s weird. It’s kind of funny.
But behind that intense stare is something surprisingly profound — a quiet message of trust, instinct, and love.
According to veterinarians at VCA Animal Hospitals, that wide-eyed look isn’t just a quirky habit. It’s a relic from your dog’s wild ancestors, rooted in pure survival.
When dogs poop, they’re in one of their most vulnerable positions — they can’t run, can’t defend themselves, and they know it. In the wild, this made animals easy targets. So, what did they do?
They looked to their pack for protection.
Today, your dog’s “pack” is you — their trusted human. That stare? It’s not just awkward. It’s your dog saying:
“Please watch my back while I do this.”
Suddenly, it doesn’t feel so funny — it feels loyal, instinctive, and kind of beautiful.
Of course, there may be other reasons behind the poop-gaze, too. If you used treats during potty training, your pup might be hoping for a reward (who wouldn’t?). Or they could just be reading your body language to see if they’ve chosen the right potty spot.
And while we’re decoding adorable dog behaviors, let’s talk about another one science has confirmed: baby talk.
That high-pitched, singsongy voice you use — “Who’s a good boy?!” — isn’t just silly. It actually lights up your dog’s brain.
A 2023 study using MRI scans showed that dogs respond more strongly to “infant-directed speech” than normal tones. In short: your dog loves it when you talk to them like they’re the cutest baby in the world.
“Dogs often interpret a singsong tone as an invitation to play,” said Dr. Krista Williams from Bay Cities VCA. “They may respond by wagging their tail or doing a play bow.”
Dr. Bethany Hsia added, “It signals affection and strengthens your bond.”
So go ahead — keep baby-talking your dog and giving them the eye-contact security they didn’t know how to ask for. Because in your dog’s eyes, you’re not just their best friend. You’re their family, their protector, and their safe place — even during the most vulnerable of moments.
And if that’s not unconditional love, what is?
