A curious dog owner who turned to the internet to decode their pet's puzzling habit has received a heartwarming and enlightening answer that delighted the online community.
The Online Query That Unlocked Canine Communication
Taking to the popular forum Reddit, the owner posed a simple yet poignant question about their dog's routine behaviour during daily strolls. In a post titled "What does it mean when a dog turns its head and look at me while walking?", they elaborated: "I have always wondered the meaning of head turning. I let her lead and sniff most of time when walking. I give her confirmation when she looks at me then she keeps going. What is she trying to tell me?"
The response from fellow dog lovers and experts was overwhelmingly unified and positive. Far from being a random quirk, this glance is a coveted behaviour in the world of dog training.
The 'Check-In': A Sign of Trust and Engagement
Commenters swiftly identified the action as a "check-in", a fundamental sign of a strong bond between dog and handler. One user explained: "That is what people train for weeks to develop. It’s called a check in. Keep praising it when you see it. She’s just checking to make sure you’re still with her and perhaps to tell you she’s having fun."
Another highlighted the social nature of dogs, stating: "Dogs are social/pack animals and we’ve spent thousands of years carefully selecting them for cooperative partnership with humans. What you’re seeing is handler focus/engagement." The consensus was clear: this brief look is akin to a quick "we good?" glance, demonstrating trust and connection rather than anxiety.
Behavioural experts affirm that encouraging this check-in is a cornerstone of effective training. It not only fosters obedience but also helps keep the dog's focus on the owner, steering them away from potential distractions like squirrels or other dogs.
How to Cultivate the 'Check-In' Habit
According to pet experts Pupford, teaching this skill requires patience and persistence and won't be mastered in a single session. They recommend a structured approach:
- Reward Eye Contact: Start in a calm environment. Every time your dog looks at you without prompting, reward them with a high-value treat. Pair this with a clicker or a marker word like "yes".
- Practice Consistently: Repeat until your dog begins to offer eye contact in anticipation of a reward.
- Add Distraction: Gradually introduce mild distractions, continuing to reward successful check-ins.
- Change the Environment: Practice in various locations to generalise the behaviour.
"The goal is to have your dog initiate looking up at you from time to time without any prompting from you, in any situation," the experts advise. Encouraging check-ins during changes—like entering a new area or spotting another animal—helps the dog learn to reference their owner for guidance, building a stronger, more communicative partnership on every walk.
