- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
“Whale eye,” a term created by famous dog trainer Sue Sternberg, describes when a dog turns their head away but keeps their eyes on something, showing the whites of their eyes. Their pupuls will also dilate. Unlike a playful “side eye,” whale eye usually comes with signs of stress like a stiff body or raised fur.
“You should never ignore whale eye, as it’s a non-violent distress signal,” says Colby Julien, an animal behaviorist, dog trainer, and founder of Geo-Sniffing. She warns that if this signal is ignored, the dog may escalate to aggressive behaviors, such as biting.
Keep reading to learn what your dog’s eyes might be trying to tell you!
What Causes Whale Eye?
Whale eye happens when a dog feels uncomfortable or stressed. Here are common reasons:
1. Stress or anxiety
Stressful situations, like loud noises or new places, can make a dog uneasy, says Annie-Mae Levy, a dog trainer at Woofz.
She explains in these scenarios, whale eye may mean the dog needs space or relief.
2. Fear
When a dog feels scared, like by a stranger moving too fast, they may show whale eye to signal fear and ask for space.
If a dog you don’t know displays whale eye, they’re afraid and give them plenty of space and avoid touching them.
3. Conflict
During tense moments, like a standoff with another dog, whale eye can be a warning.
Levy explains that if the warning is ignored, the dog might growl, show teeth, or get into a dangerous fight.
4. Resource guarding
Dogs may show whale eye to protect things they value, like food, toys, or their favorite spot. It’s their way of saying, “Stay back!”
It’s a warning to others to stay away and respect their boundaries.
5. Overstimulation
Too much excitement or handling, like rough play or lots of petting, can overwhelm a dog. They might use whale eye to say they need a break.
In these cases, they may show the whites of their eyes to communicate they need space.
6. Pain or medical problems
Julien says dogs in pain may show whale eye because they’re uncomfortable and need space.
Even a normally gentle dog might use this eye contact to signal discomfort.
7. Genetics
Any dog breed can show whale eye since it’s a natural part of dog body language.
However, anxious breeds—such as Border Collies and Chihuahuas—may do it more often.
What to Do If Your Dog Shows Whale Eye
If you notice your dog showing whale eye, it’s important to act calmly and thoughtfully. Here’s what to do:
- Give them space: Don’t move closer or touch your dog. Let them move away if they want to.
- Stay calm: Avoid loud voices or sudden movements, which can stress your dog more.
- Figure out the cause: Identify what might be causing their unease. Look for triggers like loud noises, unfamiliar people, or overstimulating environments.
- Remove the trigger: If possible, Levy says to take away or distance your dog from what’s upsetting them.
- Watch their other body language: Look for other signs of stress, like stiff posture, pinned ears, or a tucked tail, to understand their emotions.
- Avoid punishment: Punishing your dog for whale eye can make their fear or anxiety worse and lead to more serious reactions.
- Redirect their focus: Offer a toy or treat from a safe distance to shift their attention.
- Try desensitization training: For ongoing triggers, gradually expose your dog to them to build confidence.
- Get professional help: If whale eye happens often, Levy says to talk to a vet or dog trainer for advice and a behavior plan.
Is Whale Eye Always a Bad Sign?
True whale eye is a sign of discomfort, fear, or unease. But it’s important to know the difference between this type of eye contact and other times when your dog’s eyes might show the whites.
For example:
- Curiosity or focus: If a dog is resting and shifts their eyes to follow sounds or movement, but their body is relaxed and ears are neutral, it’s likely just curiosity.
- Play: During play, you might see the whites of your dog’s eyes. If their body is loose, mouth is open, and tail is wagging, they’re probably excited, not stressed.
- Anatomy: Some breeds, like Pugs or Boston Terriers, naturally show more of the whites of their eyes due to their eye shape, even when relaxed.
Takeaway
By noticing signs like whale eye, you can understand what your dog is telling you and meet their needs. Giving them space, removing stressors, or redirecting their focus helps them feel more comfortable and safe.
Responding to these cues shows your dog you care about their well-being. This builds trust and helps your dog feel secure and confident in their environment.
