While humans certainly display their fair share of body language, dogs, who don’t have the capability to verbalize, rely strictly on body language to communicate their needs and emotions. Learning how to read the cues of their body language can help you be a better dog owner, and your pup can live an even better life.
There’s something you should always be on the lookout for if you want to prioritize your pup’s wellbeing : and that’s “ whale eye ” in dogs.
The One Look a Pet Behaviorist Is Begging Dog Owners to Start Noticing in Their Pup's Body Language
According to pet behaviorists , "whale eye" is something that they would love for dog owners to take notice of. As dog behaviorist Kerry Stack , founder of Darwin Dogs Training , says, dog bites simply don’t happen out of the blue.
“By learning the communication cues given by dogs, situations of overstimulation can be avoided,” she explains. “Most importantly, be aware of the types of attention small children are giving dogs. While things such as hugs and kisses show love and affection between humans, a dog being hugged by a child can feel trapped, overwhelmed and scared. The ‘whale eye’ is typically the last plea before a scared dog feels the need to bite. A dog should never be forced to endure the attentions of a child, no matter how well-meaning the child may be.”
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What Is 'Whale Eye' in Dogs, Exactly?
Stack explains that whale eye is a dog’s way of showing concern, stress or anxiety using their eyes.
“A dog’s face will be pointed away from the source of stress, but the eyes are still heavily focused on or flicking toward the source of anxiety, with the whites of the eyes (usually not visible in dogs) showing, giving an extreme ‘side eye,’” she details.
Specifically, whale eye happens when a dog is stressed or anxious, “albeit not necessarily in a negative way,” Stack adds, saying, “Think of whale eyes as an extreme form of ‘please’ during a time of stress.”
There are some specific situations in which your dog may display whale eye. For instance, a nervous dog at a vet appointment might use whale eye to indicate, “Please stop what you’re doing—I’m scared and overwhelmed.”
“It can be the last warning before a dog becomes overstimulated to the point of a bite,” Stack warns.
Also, since whale eye does indicate “please” in a variety of situations, Stack says that a dog might have whale eye when they see a food that they want. In this case, their whale eye might say, “Wow, that sandwich looks delicious! I’ll bet it tastes wonderful!” in the hopes you’ll offer them a bite.
“In short, it’s an attempt at avoiding any direct confrontation while still trying to make their needs and wants known,” she says.
Stacks says that oftentimes, owners are not aware of whale eye because a dog will not necessarily be making any sound, such as growling or snarling , which would cause a human to rethink their current actions or behavior.
“Whale eye can be the last cue before a negatively stressed dog feels compelled to act,” she explains.
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Signals That May Appear With Whale Eye
As mentioned, whale eye occurs during times of high stress for a dog, but stress isn’t always a bad thing. Stack explains that stress can either be hopeful and positive (like when they’re eyeing up a sandwich) or negative and fear-based (like at the vet’s office).
“The key to understanding the difference is your dog’s stance,” she says. “In a situation where your dog is hopefully asking for a bite of the sandwich, their body language is typically pretty soft, and frequently they will be sitting or lying down. They may be licking their lips frequently.”
But in cases of fear or being overwhelmed, “a dog’s body language will be very rigid and still,” she shares. “Their tail may be wagging, but in a stiff manner, and your dog may be panting heavily, yawning in an exaggerated manner or curl their lips in a show of teeth.”
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What To Do When a Dog Exhibits Whale Eye
Now that you know what whale eye looks like, you should also know what to do to help your dog when they’re feeling stressed.
Stack says, “Whale eye is a supplication for peaceful resolution without conflict. If your dog is in a situation where they are overwhelmed or overstimulated, take them up on their offer of peace. Start by slowly turning your head to the side, and focusing your gaze elsewhere. Have the rest of your body follow suit. I tell my clients during a dog training session that if your stomach or navel is pointing at your dog, you are being confrontational, so turn your torso away from your dog.”
After that, give your dog a bit of breathing room and a chance to collect themselves, “giving calm positives when they do,” Stack says. This can include words of praise or a treat .
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