TAMPA, Fla. (BLOOM) — It’s a moment every dog owner has experienced: your pup locks eyes with you while doing their business, and you’re left wondering if it’s cute, awkward or just plain weird.
According to certified dog trainer Karen Piwinski of Woofz, a dog training app, the answer is actually endearing. That intense mid-squat stare? It’s not judgment or embarrassment, it’s trust.
“Dogs feel vulnerable when relieving themselves,” Piwinski said. “It’s instinctual. In the wild, that’s when they were at greatest risk from predators. When your dog looks at you during this moment, they’re asking for protection. It means they see you as their guardian.”…