Imagine you’re out in a bar. If someone shares a glance with you and gives a small smile, you may not take much notice. People in a crowded place are going to occasionally look at each other – no big deal. Perhaps you may even be flattered.
But imagine you look around and find someone across the bar STARING at you. Immediately, that’s very different. It’s creepy and it’s weird. You are likely to feel uncomfortable or defensive and want to avoid that person at all costs.
It’s the same with our dogs. If you’re on a walk and pass another dog, expecting that your dog will not even glance at the other dog is unrealistic. It is natural and expected they will look. Most dogs exchange a glance while passing and it’s totally normal. But if your dog is staring and being the creep in the bar, it is not normal. It is very likely going to make the other dog uncomfortable, who may decide to go on the defensive. If your dog is reactive, this staring is only allowing them to fixate and build up to a reaction.
If your dog is staring at another dog for more than a couple seconds, it will rarely lead to something good. If they’re being creepy, it’s time to interrupt that behaviour and keep them moving on to avoid issues.
