How does my dog know to look at my face?

[StepBangin]

Serious question.

Im just sitting here on the computer and the dog is staring at me because she wants to go outside.

It got me thinking, how does she know to look at my face when she wants something or when she is just looking at me for no reason? Why doesnt she stare at my knee caps or my back?

Is it because the sound comes from my face so its just natural to look there?

[foal]

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Is it because the sound comes from my face so its just natural to look there?

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I think you're underestimating the intelligence of dogs.

[StepBangin]

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Is it because the sound comes from my face so its just natural to look there?

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I think you're underestimating the intelligence of dogs.

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I understand that dogs are really smart. That doesnt explain why they know to look at my face.

[luckyme]

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Is it because the sound comes from my face so its just natural to look there?

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I think you're underestimating the intelligence of dogs.

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or vice versa.

luckyme

[MoP_86]

where do you look at when you look at your dog?

[StepBangin]

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where do you look at when you look at your dog?

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Is this relevant at all?

[MoP_86]

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where do you look at when you look at your dog?

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Is this relevant at all?

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Are you serious?

Look, what humans share in common with dogs is our eyes. You as a human being are intelligent enough to look into it's eyes to gather information about the dog. The dog is intelligent enough to do this as well.

[Siegmund]

The dog is going to look at wherever it can find the most information about your intentions. If you are walking across the room and walk past the spot where the leash is hanging, the dog will be watching to see if you grab it. If you are sitting, it will be watching to see if you are paying attention to it, or to get clues as to what sort of mood you are in. Most of those clues are easier to find on your face than anywhere else, unless you are moving.

[Lestat]

I'm not gonna slam ya, cuz I think of silly stuff like this all the time.

The answer I believe, is that dogs are capable of communication and they understand (on a very basic level), that your face is the source of communication. Other animals know this as well. Cats for sure do. I once came upon a raccoon and it looked me directly in the eye. So I'd imagine it has as much to do with the eyes as where sound comes from when we speak.

But I admit I don't know for sure, and that the answer might be more interesting than those flaming this question may realize.

[AWoodside]

Dogs and people co-evolved, they share lots of interesting mixed behaviors.