It seems like no matter what you do — whether it’s playing with them, breaking up a fight, or picking them up after they were running laps around your living room, your Shih Tzu just can’t take their eyes off of you. So, you might be wondering, why does my Shih Tzu stare at me all the time? There are a few reasons, so let’s take a look at some of the more common theories and reasoning for the behavior.
Why Does My Shih Tzu Stare at Me
Yes, your Shih Tzu is super cute but that doesn’t mean that all that staring doesn’t get a bit much from time to time.
Even so, there are some very good reasons your Shih Tzu is making eye contact.
Let’s check them out…
1. Your Shih Tzu Is Trying to Get Your Attention
If you’ve got a Shih Tzu that tends to stare at you while you’re watching TV or engaged in some other non-food activity, it might be because they want your attention.
Perhaps they’re staring because they’d like to be involved in the activity, or maybe they’re trying to get your attention on something else or they might just want you to pay attention to them.
After the starring behavior has gone on for a while, it can be easy to start to believe that your dog is just staring at you to annoy you.
However, it could be that they’re actually looking for your attention — since they want to play or eat or do something else with you.
This behavior is quite common.
So, if your dog is making direct eye contact, then chances are they are trying to get your attention.
Most people have experienced this feeling before. You are typing on your computer or eating a meal and staring off out into space when suddenly you notice that out of the corner of your eye there is a dog looking at you with a very intense stare.
Your dog’s gaze catches you by surprise and you immediately look over to see what it was that grabbed their attention.
The bottom line is that your Shih Tzu loves you and can be a bit clingy at times. They want all of your attention.
2. They Have a Message From the Ah-Gua
Some Shih Tzu owners subscribe to more mystical explanations for their dog’s staring habits.
There are some who believe that dogs have their own kind of ESP, a way to communicate with one another and their masters.
The “Ah-Gua” theory is the belief that dogs can tap into an animal energy field surrounding them.
They’re “reading” it out of everything around them — people, animals, trees.
It’s best understood as a sort of public consciousness or universal knowledge.
3. Shih Tzu Stare At You To Please You
There are many who believe that dogs stare at their owners because they’re simply trying to please them.
It is one way for them to use body language, or eye language, in this case, to let you know they are there and ready to do whatever it takes to make you happy.
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4. A Bored Shih Tzu
Some Shih Tzu stare at their owners because they’re bored.
Because they don’t have much to do, they’re simply looking for entertainment.
This theory seems pretty obvious, but it’s important to understand the psychology behind the staring behavior.
After all, your dog is a living being — a complex one at that.
Your pet is going to stare at you simply because that’s how their mind works; it’s not the same as you sitting down and staring at your television for entertainment.
If you feel your Shih Tzu is bored, spend a little time playing with them.
A few minutes of running around the house is all it takes to make them happy.
Then spend some quality time in close contact and they will be happy again.
5. They are Showing You That They Love You
The Chinese believe that dogs have chosen to be in the human realm in order to assist humans with their spiritual and emotional growth.
They are able to see things that we cannot, and they are naturally drawn to the more compassionate side of our nature.
This is why, when you have a dog coming into your life, you will often feel an immediate connection with them. It is because they recognize your compassionate nature and it makes them happy.
A Shih Tzu stare is a form of communication between you and your dog.
The Shih Tzu is telling you, “I love you.”
It is a way for them to express their loyalty.
They are also showing that they trust you.
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To Sum it Up:
When your Shih Tzu stares at you, it is trying to send you a message. They might be bored or hungry or just wanting to tell you that they love you. If you pay attention, you will soon be able to figure out what their stare means and then act upon it.
Please Note:
This article is informational only and does not substitute for veterinary advice. Always check with your veterinarian if you are concerned about your Shih Tzu’s behavior. This article should not be considered in any way as veterinarian advice.
