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Most likely your dog thinks food is forthcoming.
They may need to use the bathroom.
They may want to play or walk.
They could be asking for attention.
If your dog is making some serious eye contact, go ahead and stare back into your pup’s eyes. It’s a great way to bond as PetMD.com reports that Japanese researchers found that when dogs gaze into their owners’ eyes, the look activates the same hormonal bonding response as when a parent looks into their child’s eyes. It even sparks the release of oxytocin, the so-called love hormone, for both humans and canines. “The dogs experienced a 130% rise in oxytocin levels, and owners saw a 300% increase, the study reports,” writes PetMD.com.
Be aware, though, that thanks to their wolf ancestors, some dogs consider staring to be both threatening and rude, according to the American Kennel Club. Limit your soulful stares to dogs you know.