Louisiana Learns – Why a Dog Stares at You When They Poop
Louisiana loves its dogs, there is no doubt about that fact. We cherish our canine companions as trusted friends and in many cases a more trusted co-worker than some of our two-legged counterparts. Dogs are an integral part of our outdoor lifestyle too. Can you imagine going on a duck hunt near Gueydan and not having a great retriever to fetch your kill? I don't care how good your waders are, you're probably not going into that frosty water to fetch a duck as your dog will.
But no matter your needs or reasons for having a dog in your life we've all got questions about some of the things that they do. The following question was asked of me while I was out in my yard allowing my dog Jasper to "take care of his business". It's always better if he does that in the yard instead of the living room. That's Jasper below.
A friend who was with me as Jasper "assumed the position" noticed that my dog appeared to lock eyes and look directly at me while the deed was being done. He asked, "does he always stare at you when he "expletives"? To be honest I didn't know whether to be honored or ashamed by that distinction and yes, my friends are uncouth and use foul language to describe the process of elimination.
It turns out that Jasper was paying me one of the biggest compliments a dog can pay a human. You see, like us, dogs are at their most vulnerable when they are "at stool". They want to make sure that someone or some other dog has their back while they are with "their pants down". In other words, when your dog locks eyes with you while they poo it's an ultimate sign of trust.
Now as for me, I don't know whether to stare back or look away. It's awkward to be in the yard letting the dogs take care of business and have a neighbor catching you watching them. It just doesn't seem right but it's also the same reason that your dog wants to follow you into the bathroom when it's your turn to "cop a squat". But, should you let them?
The short answer is this, it's okay.
However, if you don't want the dog in there while you're scrolling your phone that's okay too. Some dogs will show signs of anxiety if you lock them out though, so your choices will boil down to these. Do I want to evacuate my bowels with an audience, or do I want to accomplish that with barking, howling, and scratching at the door?
Remember dogs are pack animals and when you adopt them, they adopt you back and make you a member of their pack. Long live the pack.
Oh, and one more thing. It's okay if your dog's feet smell like Fritos. Yeah, the corn chips. Go ahead, smell your dog's feet, and see if they don't smell like the tasty snack. It's natural and if you just have to know why you can find the answer right here.
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Gallery Credit: Sabienna Bowman