When a dog avoids eye contact or won't look at you when you scold or talk to them, it typically indicates one of the following emotions or behaviors:
Submission and Fear: Dogs are highly social animals with a well-defined pack hierarchy. Avoiding eye contact can be a submissive behavior, indicating that your dog recognizes you as the dominant member of the pack (family) and is trying to avoid confrontation. If your dog fears the scolding or perceives it as a threat, they may avert their gaze to show deference and avoid any further escalation.
Anxiety and Stress: Avoiding eye contact can also be a sign of anxiety or stress in dogs. They might feel uncomfortable or anxious about the situation and may find it difficult to maintain eye contact as a result.
Guilt or Remorse (Debatable): Some pet owners interpret the lack of eye contact as guilt or remorse, assuming that the dog knows they've done something wrong. However, it's important to note that dogs don't experience guilt in the same way humans do. Instead, they may react to your emotions and body language when you scold them, leading to submissive behavior.
Learned Behavior: If a dog has been scolded or punished consistently for certain behaviors, they may associate your scolding with negative consequences. As a result, they might avoid eye contact to avoid any potential conflict.
Lack of Socialization: Dogs that haven't been adequately socialized or have had negative experiences in the past may be more likely to avoid eye contact as a way to cope with stress or fear.
It's essential to understand that dogs communicate primarily through body language, and eye contact is a significant part of their communication. Averting their gaze is a way for them to show deference, avoid confrontation, or indicate their emotional state.
If you notice your dog avoiding eye contact frequently, it's important to assess the overall context of the situation and their body language to understand what they might be feeling. In any case, positive reinforcement, patient training, and creating a safe and trusting environment will help build a stronger bond with your dog and improve their behavior over time. If you have concerns about your dog's behavior, consider consulting a professional dog trainer or animal behaviorist for guidance.