When you see a dog giving you the whale eye, it can be a bit disconcerting. There is usually something a bit aggressive behind this “side-eye” look, as it is commonly known. Perhaps the dog has discovered their favorite chew toy and doesn’t want to share, or they have found their favorite human and have no intention of letting go.
But most often, whale eye happens when food is involved. For example, dogs can be incredibly protective of their food, and when confronted with someone or something new trying to take it from them, they may give off a profoundly unsettled vibe by staring at you with their whale eye.
However, all is not necessarily lost if you encounter whale eye from a dog. If the dog feels genuinely threatened by your presence, you may need to give them some space for a while to cool down and reassess the situation.
But if it’s clear that the whole thing was just an unfortunate misunderstanding from the start, then offering them some treats or other positive reinforcement may be all they need to put those side-eye vibes behind them!
What Does Whale Eye Look Like?
When a dog owner talks about “whale eye,” they are referring to dog body language when you can see the whites of his eyes. This occurs when a dog averts his head slightly while still maintaining eye contact with whatever or whoever has caught his attention.
The sclera, or whites of the dog’s eyes, will look like a half-moon, usually positioned at the outer or inner side of the eye but occasionally around the entire eye. Also referred to as “half-moon eye” or dog side-eye, whale eye is an important indicator of canine behavior and should be carefully observed by owners and trainers alike.
Among dogs, whale eye is frequently observed when they give a side-eye to the thing or person they’re looking at, which causes their eyes to slide into the corners and expose more of their whites.
In general, whale eye suggests that the dog is feeling anxious, uneasy, defensive, or otherwise unsettled about a particular situation. By recognizing this subtle bodily cue, owners and training professionals can more effectively interact with their canine companions and help them feel safe and comfortable in any situation.
How Can You Tell if Your Pup is Giving You The Side Eye or Just Looking Around?
If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of your dog’s side-eye or whale eye, you know that it’s not exactly a reassuring expression. But what does it actually mean? Contrary to popular belief, the side-eye isn’t always a sign that your dog is feeling uncomfortable or threatened.
Sometimes, it’s simply a reflexive behavior that allows dogs to keep a closer eye on their surroundings. For example, dogs will look away when they feel threatened, crowded, or simply want to get away from something unpleasant around them, such as a person or other animals, such as a cat.
They’ll divert their eyes to one side while continuing to look forward in order to keep an eye on it. So next time your dog gives you the side-eye, take note of his body language and overall environment.
If you notice he’s tense or on edge, it’s probably best to give him some space. But if he’s relaxed and his gaze is soft, then he’s likely just trying to take in all the sights and sounds around him.
If you’re still not sure if your dog has whale eyes, here are some other clues:
- Tense muscles in the dog’s body
- The dog’s ears are sticking out to the side, pointing backward.
- The dog’s mouth is now shut.
- Some dogs lick their lips or flick their tongues.
- The dog is looking away from you.
- The dog might be hiding or walking away because it is scared or is having some anxiety.
- Indirect or direct staring.
If a dog shows whale eye accompanied by a wiggly body, an open mouth, and an almost “smiling” expression on his face, you can be sure that he is feeling lighthearted and happy.
By paying careful attention to these body signals, we can better understand what our dogs are trying to tell us – both when they are feeling calm and carefree and when they might be experiencing something more serious or stressful. And hopefully, this deeper understanding will help ensure that our dogs feel loved and safe every day of their lives.
What Should You Do if Your Pup is Giving the Side-Eye?
Anyone who’s ever been side-eyed by a dog knows that it’s not a good sign. But what about whale eye? Whale eye is when a dog turns his head away from you but keeps his eyes on you. It’s a sign of stress, fear, or discomfort, and it’s one that you should always take seriously.
Stop what you’re doing and evaluate the situation if you see side-eyes. Then, to relieve the tension, redirect the pup to other things. For example, if the whale’s eyes are on a kid, advise them to quit what they’re doing and take the doggy away until he calms down and then give him some special treats.
Finally, please see what you can do in the future to keep your dog from being stressed, frightened, or uncomfortable. When people get better at understanding canine body language, their relationships with dogs will only improve.
Learning to read dogs is critical for anyone who interacts with them on a regular basis. Whether we are pet owners, dog walkers, dog trainers, or simply dog lovers in general, it is important that we have a good understanding of canine body language and behavior. This allows us to respond effectively when our dogs appear stressed, anxious, or uncomfortable in any situation.
Conclusion
As it turns out, side-eye (or whale eye, as it’s sometimes called) is a natural and regular canine response to an unwanted stimulus around them. Dogs use side-eye as a way to say, “I don’t like what’s happening right now” or “I’m feeling threatened.” In other words, it’s their way of saying “back off.”
So next time you see whale eye from a pup, remember not to take it personally – just keep calm and carry on!
*photo by Wirestock – depositphotos
