The Social Network for Dog Lovers

the power of a dog's stare

Kanga is a very sweet dog. Where Maui was the alpha no matter how many other dogs were around, Kanga is decidedly the omega dog ;-) She used to be afraid of absolutely everything, and for the first month hid under the bed a lot. She is much more outgoing now (lots of treats and praise for being with us cured her of the bed habit) and loves to meet new people and even new dogs. This small, shy dog can wrap me around her little finger, just like her "sister" Maui once did. But where Maui used to bark at me when she wanted something, Kanga doesn't. She has another method. Does your dog look at you like this?

Kanga is willing me to take her for a walk! Kanga loves walks more than anything else. She would rather be outside, digging in the sand at the beach, or running with her friends or the kids next door than anything else. Certainly more than napping under my desk ;-) Every morning of the week we walk on the beach, but every afternoon and evening she comes to me and gives me this stare until I pick up the leash and leave the house. She doesn't bark, she doesn't whine, and she doesn't scratch at the floor or the door. She just stares at me. It's kind of creepy, how focused she can be. She stares at me and stares at me and stares at me, and the whole time I can hear her thinking "Take me for a walk. Let's go outside. I love the beach." I wouldn't be surprised if she pulled out a pocket watch and let it swing in front of my eyes and said "You are getting sleepy, very very sleepy!" She positively hypnotizes me. I need to remember how her single minded focus seems to "magically" make me pick up the leash when I think about my own life. I think I will be singleminded about what is important to me - like for instance solving the problem of all those books about dog meditation that are sitting in that Kansas warehouse. Thanks for your suggestions, and your emails, and keep them coming. I am in negotiations now and working hard on a win-win-win situation. I'll let you know how it turns out ASAP. In the meantime, tell me if I'm the only one whose dog has him under some sort of mind-control ... even though she's not a bossy dog?? James

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Comment by Donnie Joe Lawson on September 14, 2009 at 3:01am: I remember how my Katy would look at me this way. If only I could see it again.
Don Lawson

Comment by Mary Kay on August 21, 2009 at 3:09pm: Well when I ask Lydia if she wants "puppy ice cream" she cocks her head and looks at me with her chocolate eyes like "how can you not think I would want some"?? I love how she listens so intently and cocks her head and really is into it when I tell her what we will be doing in the day :) mary and lydia

Comment by Diane on August 16, 2009 at 4:50pm: k.

Comment by Diane on August 16, 2009 at 4:50pm: Cute picture! And yes I get the stare down from both Yorkies when I have to leave the house. I always tell them I'll be bac.

Comment by Pat on August 15, 2009 at 7:01pm: My boys, Casee and Skee, give me that look all the time and I fall for it everytime! They know what they are doing! They have me wrapped around all four of their paws. But I love them so much I will do anything in the world for them. I never knew what unconditional love was until they came into my life. They have taught me so much about enjoying the simple things in life and to appreciate them even more.

Comment by Gina on August 15, 2009 at 4:17am: Boy I sure do know the stare well! My Yorkie, Kelsey, sits in my lap and inches ever so closer to my face until all I see are her brown puppy (ok, she's 8 years old but she's still my puppy) eyes staring deep into mine, willing me to take her for a walk or a car ride. Of course, I always give in cause I just can't say no to that look and she knows it! I am a well trained mother!

Comment by Jerry Dunham on August 12, 2009 at 4:05pm: It's not a Maltese thing. It's a dog thing. Some are just better at it than other. In our household of 4 dogs, it's the one-eared Redbone Coonhound who has the "pleading eyes" thing down to a science. He works it on me some, but he really works it on my wife, and she can only resist for so long. He is relentless, and knows she will eventually cave in and give him what he wants.

--
Jerry Dunham
Founder, Tejas Coonhound Rescue

Comment by Pat Shearcraft on August 12, 2009 at 12:46pm: Kanga is really sweet, I'm happy you decided to bring another dog in you and Molly's life. The both of you seem to be really genuine nice people. I live with a Scnauzer/Terrier mix, Misty, who does the same thing. When I move my head, she does exactly the same thing. It's like they can't get enough of you. It must be their way of showing you that they love you, and don't want to let you out of their site. When it comes to dinner time, Misty knows how to tell time and that's when she goes into her stare mode. It makes me laugh which I think is a good thing. So my motto is to enjoy the undivided love that your pets give you, it like no other. Maybe in your case, your twi beaytiful girls, big and little. You're a bessed man.

Comment by Dannette DeWeese on August 11, 2009 at 6:09pm: seriously how could you even thing of resisting that adorable little face???? i want to take her for a walk right now!

Comment by Nancy Ball on August 11, 2009 at 5:17pm: Hi James, nice to see you back again! No, you're not the only one whose dogs gives the "look". My Maggie Mae can get me to do just about anything! She sits patiently waiting and sits right in front of me while she's doing the stare. And I swear this dog knows how to look at my clock to know when it's time for a walk or bedtime. Amazing how these sweet little things can wrap us around their little paws. :-)