Pet questions, answered simply

What is my dog thinking about me?

The short answer

Mostly: you're the centre of its world. Dogs watch our faces, learn our routines and read our moods, so your dog is probably thinking about where you're going, when the next walk is, and whether that rustle was the treat bag.

A little more detail

Dogs have lived alongside people for thousands of years, and they've become very good at reading us. They follow where we look and point, notice our tone of voice, and pick up on the little habits that come before a walk, a meal or a trip in the ute.

Researchers have found that when dogs and their owners look at each other, both get a lift in oxytocin, the hormone linked with bonding. So that long, soft stare from the couch is often your dog checking in with its favourite person.

What your dog thinks of your dancing, your singing in the shower or the third episode in a row, nobody knows. That part is up to your imagination.

Signs your dog thinks you're top of the list

It follows you from room to room, even to the loo.
It greets you at the door like you've been gone a year, even after five minutes.
It leans on you, sleeps near you or brings you its favourite toy.
It watches your face when you talk and tilts its head at familiar words.
It settles down when you're home and relaxed.

Hear what YOUR pet says about you

Send us one photo of your pet. Chatterpaws brings it to life in a short video where your pet talks about you, by name, with its own cheeky line. Only your pet talks. The video comes by email, and your photo is deleted once it's made.

Make my pet talk · A$9.90

Questions people ask

Do dogs understand what we say?

Dogs learn the meaning of many words, especially ones tied to good things like walk, dinner and their name. They also listen closely to tone, so how you say something matters as much as what you say.

Does my dog know when I'm sad?

Dogs notice changes in our faces, voices and body language, and many come closer when their person is upset. Whether they understand sadness the way we do isn't known, but they do notice.

Why does my dog stare at me?

Usually to check in: to see what you're about to do, to ask for something, or simply because you're its person. A soft, relaxed stare is a good sign.