Why Does My Dog Look At Me When He Eats In 2023?

Medically Reviewed By Pet Expert

Have you ever noticed your dog looking up at you while they eat? If so, you’re not alone – many dog owners have seen their dog’s tendency to look up when enjoying a meal. But why do they do this?

It’s a behavior that has puzzled dog owners for generations, and the answer may surprise you. Dogs may look up to their owners when they eat for several reasons, from showing respect to ensuring safety.

I will explore why your dog may be gazing up at you while they dine.

I’ll also discuss how you can use this behavior to your advantage and help create a peaceful and enjoyable dining experience for your canine companion.

So, if you’ve ever wondered why your dog looks at you when they eat.

Why dogs look up at their owners when they eat

What is the behavior of dogs looking up when they eat?

Dogs will commonly look up to their owners when they are eating. ↗It may be that they are just trying to get your Attention, but there’s likely more to it than this.

What is the behavior of dogs looking up when they eat?

This behavior is most commonly observed when dogs are in a confined space, such as a crate.

It may also be observed in dogs who are fed from a bowl. In these situations, your dog may look up at you as they eat in an attempt to get you to lower the bowl/plate or move the crate door so that they can move around more freely.

When a dog looks up at their owner when eating, it can be hard to tell why they are doing this.

There are several reasons why dogs may look up to their owners when they are eating.

Overview of why dogs look up at their owners when they eat

You will likely notice your pup occasionally looking up at you when you and your dog are eating together.

Dogs may look up at their owners while they eat for several reasons: –
  1. Certain dogs may look up at their owners while they are eating to show respect
  2. Other dogs may look up at their owners while they eat because they are concerned about the safety
  3. As part of their desire for Attention, other dogs may look up at their owners while they eat
  4. When dogs are eating, they may look up to their owners to receive praise from them
  5. Some dogs can look up at their owners while they eat to bond with them
  6. Some dogs may gaze up at their owners while eating because they enjoy being in their presence
  7. Occasionally, dogs look up at their owners as they eat because they wish to be fed by them
1

Showing respect

When people eat, they often have the food in front of them on a plate or bowl, with a knife and fork in hand.

Showing respect

Dogs are hierarchical creatures, so they may show you respect by not looking directly at you while you eat.

They may simply be waiting for you to finish your meal before they go back to eating their food.

2

Ensuring safety

Ensuring Safety Your dog may look up at you when they eat because they want you to open the crate door so they can move around more freely.

Ensuring safety

If your dog is in a crate while you eat, they may look up at you because they want you to open the door so that they are not trapped inside the crate.

3

Seeking approval

Seeking approval, Some dogs are very food-focused. They may be so focused on their meal that they aren’t even aware that you’re eating beside them.

Seeking approval

Some dogs may look up at you while eating to get your attention so that you can acknowledge their meal.

4

Seeking Attention

Seeking Attention your dog may look up at you when they eat because they want it.

Seeking Attention

If you feed your dog from a bowl on the floor, your dog may look up from the bowl because they want you to lower it to the floor so that it can walk around while they eat.

5

Bonding

Bonding Dogs are social creatures and are often happiest when spending time with their human family members.

Bonding

When you eat besides your dog, they may look up at you as they eat in an attempt to bond with you while they are eating.

How to create a peaceful and enjoyable dining experience for your dog

If your dog is gazing up at you while they eat, it’s essential to make sure that they feel comfortable and relaxed while they are eating.

You can create a designated dining area for your dog away from your dining table.

This can help make your dog feel more comfortable while they eat, and it can also help reduce the risk of your dog being attacked by other household members.

It’s also essential to ensure your dog has a high-quality dog bowl when they eat.

FAQS

Why does my dog stare at me before he eats his food?

Dogs stare at us before they eat their food because they like to thank us for their food. Your dog is saying thank you for the best food ever.
First, put your hand in his bowl, and put some food in your hand.
Then put your hand over his nose so that he has both paws inside your hands.
This makes him feel safe and relaxed.
This way, he will eat fast, relax and look beautiful. Now start feeding him with this position. You’re feeding him while he’s self-soothing position.

Why do dogs want you to watch them eat?

It can be incredibly adorable—or extremely irritating—how dogs try to beg for your Attention while eating. They may start by sitting next to you and looking up at you with big eyes as if to say, “I know you can’t resist watching me chow down on this delicious treat!” But if that doesn’t work, there’s always the classic move of trying to knock your food out of your hand. If that still doesn’t get the attention they’re looking for, they might give up and resort to barking or even licking! At least they’re all-in when it comes to getting your Attention while they eat.

Amy Brown
Amy E. Brown is a licensed psychotherapist (serving and author of three self-help books. She’s also a dog rescuer in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. Her life-long love of literature and writing developed from her passion for author Jackie Collins novels. She discovered at the age of 12 that she wanted to become a published author. She is a Quora contributor who writes about mental health and addiction issues in both the United States and throughout the world. She is the owner and founder of Blamberg & Associates LLC, which is a private practice specializing in psychological and addiction issues. She has been working with physically and emotionally scarred people for over 30 years.