Why Does My Dog Stare Out The Window? | 7 Possible Reasons

Dr. Finlay Tayler (DVM)

About the Author: Dr. Finlay Tayler (DVM), a Harvard veterinary graduate, brings his five years of diverse experience to MyPetDoggie. Passionate about all animals, and a proud dog owner, he balances full-time veterinary practice with contributing expert insights to our content. Dr. Tayler’s love for the outdoors, cycling, and love for dogs enrich his holistic perspective on dogs care.

Why Does My Dog Stare Out The Window? Does this awake curiosity in you? There are many theories about what dogs could be staring at for so long. It might be their reflection or the silliness of watching people on the street.

But more likely that they’re just eager to get outside and stretch their legs! Dogs are curious about the world around them, and naturally, want to explore.

There’s a good chance that your pup is just looking for something new in their environment – like another dog or cat on the other side of a window across from you!

For example, if they’re staring at birds flying outside it may be because they recognize these animals as part of their natural habitat; while this isn’t an exhaustive list by any means, it could explain why your dog stares out the windows so much.

You can also read: Canine Emotions – Do Dogs Get Sad When You Sell Their Puppies?

Dogs are very observant, even when they don’t seem to be paying any attention. Staring out windows may reveal what the dog notices outside and they’ll detect movement from far away which is why it’s so common for dogs to stare at things that happen in yards or streets nearby.

However, their seeing out of the window may include other reasons too; like if they were looking out for an escape route or if they were in fact being precocious by looking out for potential danger.

You can also read: Curious Reaction – Why Do Dogs’ Legs Shake When Scratched?

Is there any possible reason for why does my dog stare out the window?

Some may find it to be cute watching their pet dog staring out of the window. This is not a cause for alarm and does not necessarily mean that your dog wants to be let out.

It could simply be because of the environment he or she was raised in, but it’s important to note if this behavior persists so you know what might need attention.

A dog might be doing this for a variety of reasons. One reason is that the dog views something outside as a potential threat and wants to keep an eye on it at all times, which can lead to chronic barking or whining when the object returns over time.

Another possibility may be that they are anxious due to separation anxiety from their owners, but since there’s no way of knowing what goes on in your pet’s mind you should ask your veterinarian if they have any other possibilities.

Dogs are naturally packed animals. This means that they need social interaction and the opportunity to explore their surroundings, both of which can be difficult if they’re constantly cooped up in your home all day while you’re away at work.

You can also read: Canine Behavior – What Does It Mean When a Dog Rubs Against You?

When your dog is left alone for long periods of time, it can also put them at risk. Dogs need a lot of exercises to stay healthy and happy. By giving them the attention they deserve, you’re helping keep their stress levels down!

Dogs are social creatures, and there is nothing worse than a dog who’s bored. Dogs need to be given lots of exercise and playtime in order to prevent them from becoming frustrated or lethargic.

If your neighborhood doesn’t offer many opportunities for outdoor activity but you still want your dog to get out of the house, consider placing some treats around their door and waiting 10 minutes before letting them outside so that they can find it themselves!

This prevents too much barking or whining when left alone because the anticipation will have been worth it. It may also help if you give them something else with which they can occupy themselves while left home alone like pet toys filled with food inside that dispenses as the toy moves (a great boredom-buster!).

When all those pesky little rodents come running by even though we’re not looking out our windows anymore, we’ll know just what to do—give ferret heaven one more look!

What you need to first do is figure out why your dog looks out of the window a lot. When you understand why your dog is staring out the window, you will be better able to help them overcome any issues they may have.

You can also read: Curiosity Explained – Why Do Animals Chase You When You Run?

You might be interested in: Understand the emotional impact on dogs when their puppies are sold and how to manage the transition.

Some reasons why your dogs stare out windows:

1. To see all that is going on around in the world, to be aware of what is happening outside.
2. To look for a way to escape because they’re not happy in the current environment being provided.
3. Because they’re guard dogs, they may be looking for danger or prey outside.
4. They have run out of any interesting activities. They are bored and have nothing else to be involved in.
5. It may be a habit, therefore they don’t really have an explanation behind it.
6. For the animals, calming behaviors are an important part of their lives. They might be staring out of a window to relax just as humans do.
7. If you have concerns about your dog’s health, talk to your veterinarian. It could be something specific to that individual animal and not necessarily a trend across the board.

You can also read: Social Behavior – Why Do Dogs Bite Each Other’s Ears?

Is it bad if my dog stares out the window for a long time?

It’s not bad for your dog to stare out the window and it might even be good. However, if you think that he’s just sitting there all day because he doesn’t have anything better to do or is bored then here are a few things you can do:

Provide him with some interactive toys like kong, balls, ropes, and sticks.

Spend time playing with him in his favorite spot so that eventually you’re able to enter into “his world” without disturbing him too much while doing so (this may take some time).

You can also read: Behavior Insight – What Happens When a Pitbull Tastes Blood?

The benefits of dogs staring out the window:

Okay, let us clear one thing here it’s not always a factor to worry about seeing your pet staring out of the window. There are a few benefits as well. Dogs can watch all the action going on around them, and they will also be able to monitor their surroundings.

It’s going to help you and them when your dog is prone to boredom and needs something fun or new. Looking outside with their eyes allows pets not only to see more color but also get some fresh air and exercise as they chase, bark at, or watch birds!

You can also read: Understanding Behavior – When Do Pitbulls Calm Down?

For many dogs, this activity provides enough entertainment that it keeps their attention until you come back inside from work! 

In most cases, a dog’s need to watch the world go by is simply an instinctive one. However, there are two reasons that might make a dog want to stare at something for hours on end without any change in behavior: boredom or anxiety.

In some cases, watching the outside world can help relieve worry and stress from their minds if your furry friend has been cooped up inside all day long – just like humans!

You can also read: Canine Communication – Why Does My Dog Nudge Me with His Nose?

You might be interested in: Understand the reasons behind why your dog may look away from you and its communication.

Some tips to help your dog if he/her showing this behavior?

If the dog is looking out of a window, it could be because your house has an enclosed fenced yard and he’s bored by himself.

If that doesn’t work for you or him, try getting some other toys to play with in order to keep his mind occupied; if this still isn’t working then run through a few commands to get your attention back.

You can also read: Fascinating Fact – How Many Dog Days Are in a Human Day?

Those tips are the following:

1. If your dog is thinking about ways to escape it may be because they are feeling too bored, try a new toy that will stimulate them and give them more energy. Some dogs also need to be with other animals. This can make it hard for you as the owner because not many of us have friends or family members who want an energetic dog in their homes.
2. If however, the reason behind their staring is any kind of presumed danger. Help them learn some basic commands like; sit, stay and stand, etc. If you have already trained your dog on these basics but still feel that their behavior needs more work or reinforcement, get a puppy training class! Such classes provide an ideal opportunity to teach dogs how humans behave in various social settings so it will be more accessible when teaching manners at home later on. Make sure they are not vulnerable to any kind of danger.
3. If your dog is bored, it might start chewing on expensive furniture and other items. Prevent this by making sure that their toys are always available to them with plenty of room to play. If you have a kong filled with treats, fill it up before leaving the house so that your dog has something new for when you get back home!
4. When a dog is staring out the window, it’s because they are attracted to something outside of their view. This usually happens when people and animals come near them or if there’s an unfamiliar noise that sounds similar to barking or growling. You can break this unwanted behavior by covering up the windows so your dog cannot see what is causing all those weird noises from outside; then slowly start uncovering walls again after a few days with no new incidents happening.
5. When your pet is looking out the window, it’s not necessarily because they’re bored. It could be that a certain scenario—such as watching people outside or their owner prepare dinner outside—is calming and protective for them. Why not provide your pet with a comfortable place to sit while they enjoy the view?

What you should do if your dog is bored or lonely?

If you think your furry friend is feeling lonely or they are just bored, here are a few suggestions for how to keep your dog occupied and entertained. The important thing is that you try different things and find the ones that work best for them.

If none of these ideas do anything, then maybe it’s time to consult with your vet about something else they might be able to suggest.

If your dog is suffering from loneliness, consider investing in a kennel with a view or hiring a pet sitter so, you can compensate for their loneliness.

You can also read: Canine Behavior – Why Does My Dog Sit in My Spot When I Get Up?

What should I do if my dog is trying to escape?

If your dog is about to escape the house, you should try to prevent him. You can do this by covering windows so that he cannot see outside and keeping them covered for a few days.

After some time has passed, cover one window at a time until all of the windows are uncovered again.

Tips for keeping your dog entertained and happy:

We have shared some tips above but in addition to them here we’re about to share some more tips to help you keep your pet entertained and in a happy mood;

1. Spoiling your dog with plenty of treats and toys is the best way to make them happy.
2. Let your dog explore new places with you.
3. Please ensure your dog has fresh water and food available in plenty.
4. Spending time with your dog each day is important. Your dog needs you to be there for them and that means playing, snuggling, or just talking; whatever it may be.
5. Groom your dog on daily basis.
6. Please talk to your veterinarian if you’re worried about anything concerning behavior or well-being.
7. Schedule a routine for your dog and stick to it. When you have a routine in place, it’s much less likely that your dog will be able to get into trouble and come across new situations. Establishing this type of arrangement for your pet can help keep him or her from getting bored.

Conclusion:

So, why does my dog stare out the window? Well, dogs have very good eyesight, which is why they are so often found staring out windows. They will stare at anything and everything that catches their attention through the window glass. Dogs also look out of windows to make sure nothing has changed outside, such as a person or animal coming in or going away from the window’s view. 

A dog that is exhibiting this specific behavior may need a little more help than your average pooch. It could be due to boredom, stress, or health problems and you should talk to your vet about the best option for treatment.