Dog Side Eye – WTF Does It Mean?!

The expressive nature of dogs has always captured the hearts of their human counterparts. Whether it’s a wagging tail, a playful bark, or the tilt of their head, every dog owner knows that their pet is full of emotions. One particular expression that often piques the curiosity of dog enthusiasts is the “side eye” or the half glance that dogs sometimes give. But what does this gesture mean? Let’s dive in.

What is the Dog “Side Eye”?

To begin, the “side eye” refers to the act of a dog turning its eyes to the side, usually without moving its head, giving what appears to be a suspicious, wary, or sometimes comical look. It’s a sideways glance where the whites of the eyes (sclera) may become more visible.

Possible Meanings Behind a Dog’s “Side Eye”

1. Uncertainty or Discomfort: In many cases, the side eye can be a signal that the dog is feeling uncomfortable or uncertain about something. This might happen when they’re confronted with a new situation, object, or person that they’re not quite sure about. A dog might give the side eye to a new toy, wondering if it’s friend or foe.
2. Submissiveness: Dogs use various physical cues to communicate their status and feelings to other dogs. A direct stare in the dog world can be construed as a challenge or threat. By giving the side eye, a dog might be trying to avoid direct eye contact, showing submission, or attempting to de-escalate a situation.
3. Curiosity: Just as humans might give a sneaky glance to something they’re curious about without wanting to overtly stare, dogs might do the same. If a dog hears an interesting sound or sees something out of the corner of its eye, it might give a quick side eye to check it out without fully turning its attention away from what’s in front of it.
4. Playfulness: Anyone who has engaged in a game of “peek-a-boo” or “hide and seek” with their dog might have witnessed the playful side eye. It’s as if the dog is saying, “I know where you are, but I’ll pretend I don’t for the sake of the game!”
5. Irritation or Annoyance: Sometimes, the side eye can be a dog’s way of showing mild irritation or annoyance. For example, if you’ve ever tried to take a delicious treat away from your dog or interrupted a blissful belly rub session, you might have been on the receiving end of a classic dog side eye.

For Dog Side Eye, Context is Key

To truly understand what a dog is communicating with the side eye, it’s crucial to consider the context. Observing the dog’s overall body language will provide more clues. Are their ears pinned back? Is the tail wagging or tucked? Are they leaning away or towards the object of their attention? These cues combined with the side eye can give a clearer picture of the dog’s emotional state.

Human Interpretation and Anthropomorphism

It’s worth noting that humans have a tendency to anthropomorphize animal behavior, attributing human emotions and intentions to non-human entities. The side eye, with its comedic and often relatable appearance, is a prime candidate for such interpretations. While it’s fun to imagine our dogs throwing shade or being sassy, it’s essential to recognize that their motivations and emotions, although complex, might not always mirror human sentiments in the way we think.

How to Respond to a Dog’s Side Eye

1. Assess the Situation: If a dog displays the side eye in an unfamiliar or potentially threatening scenario, it’s essential to evaluate the surroundings and understand what might be causing the discomfort. Removing the stressor or introducing it more gradually can help.
2. Avoid Direct Staring: If you believe the side eye is a sign of submission or discomfort, avoid making direct and prolonged eye contact, as dogs can interpret this as a threat.
3. Positive Reinforcement: If the side eye is accompanied by signs of stress or anxiety, using positive reinforcement to create a positive association with the stimulus can be helpful. For instance, if a dog gives the side eye to a new toy, pairing that toy with treats can make it more appealing.
4. Consult a Professional: If you’re unsure about your dog’s behavior or if the side eye is a symptom of a larger behavioral issue, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.

10 Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Side Eye

1. What is the “side eye” in dogs?
   • The “side eye” in dogs refers to the act of a dog turning its eyes to the side, often without moving its head, giving what appears to be a suspicious, wary, or comical look. It’s a sideways glance where the whites of the eyes may become more visible.
2. Is the dog side eye a sign of aggression?
   • Not necessarily. While the side eye can sometimes indicate discomfort or uncertainty, it’s not typically a direct sign of aggression. However, it’s essential to consider other body language cues to gauge a dog’s overall mood and intentions.
3. Why does my dog give me the side eye when I’m eating?
   • Dogs are naturally curious and are often interested in whatever their humans are eating. The side eye in this context may be a way for them to watch you (and possibly your food) without appearing too overt or direct in their gaze.
4. Does the side eye mean my dog is being sneaky or deceptive?
   • Dogs don’t have the same concepts of sneakiness or deception as humans. The side eye might seem “sneaky” to us, but for a dog, it’s just another form of communication or observation, often driven by curiosity or uncertainty.
5. Can the side eye indicate that my dog is in pain or discomfort?
   • While the side eye can be a sign of emotional discomfort, it isn’t a direct indicator of physical pain. If you suspect your dog is in pain, it’s essential to look for other signs and consult with a veterinarian.
6. Is the side eye unique to certain breeds?
   • No, the side eye is not exclusive to any particular breed. Dogs of all shapes, sizes, and breeds can exhibit this behavior, although facial structure might make it more noticeable in some breeds than others.
7. How can I tell if the side eye is playful or indicative of stress?
   • Context is crucial. Look for other body language cues, like tail wagging, relaxed posture, or playful barking for playfulness. Signs like pinned ears, a tucked tail, or tense body might indicate stress.
8. Should I correct my dog for giving the side eye?
   • It’s not typically necessary to correct a dog for giving the side eye since it’s a natural form of communication. Instead, try to understand the underlying emotion or motive and address that if needed.
9. Does the side eye mean my dog is being submissive?
   • It can. Avoiding direct eye contact by using the side eye can be a sign of submission in dogs. They might be trying to avoid confrontation or show that they’re not a threat.
10. Is the dog side eye similar to the “whale eye”?

• They are related but not exactly the same. Both involve showing the whites of the eyes, but “whale eye” typically occurs when a dog turns its head away but keeps its eyes on a particular object, often indicating stress or anxiety.

By understanding these nuances in dog communication, dog owners can better cater to their pets’ emotional and behavioral needs, ensuring a happy and harmonious relationship.

Conclusion

The dog side eye, like many aspects of canine communication, is a multifaceted gesture that can convey a range of emotions. While it’s tempting to attribute human-like sentiments to these expressions, understanding them from a canine perspective is key. By paying attention to context and combining the side eye with other body language signals, dog owners can gain a richer understanding of their furry friend’s inner world. And as always, when in doubt, a