Why do Goldens stare at you

Why Does My Golden Retriever Stare At Me? (What Does it Mean?)

Those beautiful midnight black eyes of a Golden Retriever have a way of piercing through to the depths of your soul. With their dashing good looks and charming personalities, Golden Retrievers can charm us into just about anything if we arent careful!

Do you have an idea of why your Golden Retriever stares at you?

Maybe hes sharing his innermost thoughts, or maybe that stare is them begging you to share some of your lunch with them! Although its often the reason, its not always food, judgment, or secrets that hes trying to stare you down for, but it does have something to do with it.

Golden Retrieves stare at you as a way of communicating with you. They will often stare at you looking for cues of what is going to come next. They stare when they want something from you, such as attention, or food, or even when they are just trying to show you admiration and affection.

So how do you tell what the different stares mean? Why is it sometimes feel creepy when your Golden Retriever stares at you so intently? .And of all things, why on earth does he stare at you when he poops! Consider this article your one-stop shop for winning the Golden Retriever stare down!

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Why Does My Golden Retriever Stare at Me?

Your Golden Retriever is Trying to Read Your Cues

The biggest reason our dogs stare at us is becausetheyre trying to figure us out.Golden Retrievers were bred for their excellent abilities to aid hunters in retrieving their prey.

Theyve been around a long time and have a long-standing tradition of being social with their pack and looking to their pack for guidance and direction. Even before becoming loving companions for us humans, their instinct was to look to their pack leader for information on what to do next.

Not much has changed except well. of course. who the pack leader is. In their eyes,you are the Alpha, even though you may feel as though your Golden Retriever calls all the shots. Their friendly and loyal personalities make them submissive and willing to look to you as their leader. They want you to tell them what their next move should be.

Because Golden Retrievers are so intelligent they often pick up on subtle things that other dogs might miss. They are good at understanding you and they can often feed off your emotions and know when something is off. They may be looking to you to figure out how to fix it.

They may also be staring at you as they try to decipher your body language and figure out what might be coming next in their dailyroutine.

Dogs are really smart, theres a good reason they make such good companions for us, when your Golden Retriever stares at you he is drawn to look at your eyes because asthis study showsthey actually do really well at reading eye movements and facial expressions of their owners and can interpret your emotions, which will help them decide what may come next!

Your Golden Retriever is Communicating Love

Another reason your Golden Retriever is staring at you can simply be explained thathe loves you!

When a new mother holds her new baby and they look into each others eyes it has an amazing effect of releasing a powerful hormone called oxytocin. This hormone is often called the love hormone as it helps us connect and bond with one another.

Eye contact is a big thing to us humans, and dogs may be the only species that really understands that.A study showsthat dogs and their owners alike both experience an increased release of oxytocin when we stare amorously into one another eyes. Dogs are the first and possibly only species besides humans that have been observed doing this.

This explains why our Golden Retrievers may just be our best friends. The release of this hormone will actually help you and your dog build a stronger bond and build more trust with each other.

Here are some other ways to tell that your Golden Retriever loves and trusts you.

• Curls up next to you or in your lap
• Greets you enthusiastically while wagging his tail
• Pushes on you with his nose
• Gets excited when he sees you after youve been separated for a time
• licks you or wants to kiss and lick your face
• Sleeps on his back and exposes his belly when hes close to you
• Leans against you, or lying down next to you
• Sleeping with or carrying around your dirty smelling laundry
• Wants you to play with him
• Stares at you lovingly
• Brings things to you

So next time you are feeling stressed and need a pick me up, try having a staring contest with your sweet Golden Retriever and see if that helps you both feel a bit better.

Your Golden Retriever Wants Something

Your Golden Retriever stares might not always have loving intentions.If your Golden Retriever is staring at you with an accompanying whimper or whining hes most likely trying to communicate that he wants something from you.

Learning how to read your dogs body language can go a long way in helping you bond with your dog as well as helping them to be better behaved.

Your Golden Retriever may be asking for you tolet them outside to use the restroom, he may want you to play with him,or maybe he is dying for you to share some of your delicious chicken sandwich you are eating.

Either way, pay attention to not only his eyes but his ears, tail, and how his body is positioned and you may soon discover how to understand your dogs secret language.

Other Golden Retriever owners say that its usually attention and playtime that their dogs want. When they feel that familiar intense stare they start with trying to offer a toy, taking their dog for a walk, checking their food and water, offer them a bathroom break, after all of those things have been tried, then the stares probably just mean I love you, or maybe Im watching every move you make, dont mess up.

Sometimes if the stare isnt enough to get your attention your dog will resort to other tactics like licking you, whining at you are barking for you to notice them.

Golden Retriever Obsessive Licking (Quick Solutions Guide)

Your Golden Retriever is Trained to Look at You

When you bring home a new puppy and first start teaching and training it, one of the most important things to teach them first is to look at you. Teaching them how to sit, stay, heel, settle and all the other important commands is so much easier when your dog first knows to look at you.

Dogs often recognize visual cues much easier and sooner than they can figure out what you want them to do purely by speaking the command. When our Golden Retriever is trained to look at us they are able to see our movements and interpret whether we want them to sit, stay, come, or something else.

So for training purposes, if your dog looks at you a lot that will make your job a lot easier. Take advantage of all that attention and see what fun tricks you can train them to do.

This attentive stare may also explain whyyour Golden Retriever looks at you while hes pooping.Hes not doing it to gross you out, but most likelywhen you trained him to go poop in his spot outside you gave him lots of praise, attention, and maybe even treats.He may continue to stare at you becausehes expecting more of the same.

Your Golden Retriever is Confused

If your Golden Retriever is looking at you and youre are confused as to why that may just be your answer as well.

Sometimes we humans do funny and unpredictable things.If your Golden Retriever is looking at you with his head tilted to one side and his ears perked at the attention hes probably confusedand wondering what you are doing or trying to communicate to him.

Another sign of confusion in your Golden Retriever may be licking of the lips or a quick shake of his body. This could show that the confusion is causing a bit of stress in your dog.

Your Golden Retriever may be asking for more clear directions and understanding of the behavior you are looking for from him.

Unfortunately, as your Golden Retriever ages and becomes a senior,his confused stares could indicate something more serious such as cognitive dysfunction.

If you have an older Golden Retriever and they are also forgetting basic commands, wandering aimlessly in circles, or having accidents in the house its time for a visit to your vet to see what can be done.

Your Golden Retriever is Confrontational

If your Golden Retriever has an icy hard stare accompanied by a low growl or baring of teeth,proceed with caution. Golden Retrievers are unlikely to show this behavior to their owners butwill do this when feeling threatened.

Situations where your Golden Retriever might feel threatened can include:

• Resource guarding a treat, special toy, or food
• Being approached by a stranger or someone that makes them feel uncomfortable
• An unfamiliar animal that is invading his space
• Any interaction that is unfamiliar, unsettling, or startling

Other signs that your Golden Retriever staring could lead to confrontation mayinclude a rigid or stiff body, holding very still, tail tuckedor not wagging, andears laid back on his head.

If this is your Golden Retriever or any other dog that you may be approaching break eye contact and back away.

Give your Golden Retriever some space to calm down and evaluate why he may have reacted that way. You will also want to work on training him to not be aggressive in order to avoid potentially dangerous situations in the future.

If you need help in training your Golden Retriever to be less aggressivehere is a good resource by wagwalking.com.

Final Thoughts

So next time your Golden Retriever is staring you down, and your first reaction is to think about how creepy it may be, or that hes judging you and found you unworthy, think again. Most likely that intense stare means that your dog is your lifelong companion ready to please and protect you no matter what.

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While we strive to give the most accurate and helpful information about your pets health that we can, this article is meant to be informational only and not medical advice. Never disregard, avoid or delay in obtaining medical advice from your veterinarian or other qualified veterinary health care provider regardless of what you have read on this site or elsewhere.

Why Is California Called the Golden State? (9 Reasons)

Each US state has an official nickname based on what theyre most famous for. However, the question Why is California called the Golden State? is often asked because most people have no idea why its called such. Not known by many, the state is actually nothing butgolden.

So, why is California called the Golden State?Its nickname branched from its history of growth, known as the Gold Rush, including the California state motto. Other reasons include the following:

• Golden sunset
• Golden poppies
• Golden trout
• Golden Gate Bridge
• Official bird, insect, marine fish, and colors

With those in mind, lets discuss each one of them for you to have a better understanding of why they represent gold.Apart from that, lets look into some of the things California is known for throughout the years. Of course, well only focus on what you can enjoy as a retiree, as well as those that both you and your visiting family can enjoy.

Why is California the Golden State?

California is one of the US states with a nickname thats challenging to figure out why its called such. It isnt as straightforward as others, like theSunshine State of Florida, wherein its too obvious since it has long summer and spring seasons. Additionally, there are multiple reasons its called California Golden State.

1. The Discovery of Gold

The main reason The Golden State became the official nickname of California in 1968 was the positive impact of the discovery of gold in the state around 1848. Its also why gold is its official mineral since 1965, and Eureka (I have found it) is the official California State motto since 1963.

However, it first appeared in the states seal in 1849 because the mathematician Archimedes exclaimed it when he discovered the right method of determining golds purity.

Called the golden rush, Californias population grew to around 250,000 from the original 14,000 within four years. People started mining, trying their luck to find gold and make a fortune. Gold also contributed to Californias fast development and prosperity. Its also the state in the US that produced more gold than any other state; in fact, they continue to pan gold from streambeds and mine the mineral.

2. The Beautiful Golden Sunset

California experiences a warm and dry summer season and is surrounded by many beaches. The sunset, especially on the beach, is one of the things that residents and tourists look forward to every day because of how breathtaking it is. The sun usually sets over the Pacific and boasts a golden yellow color that will make you feel like youre looking at a work of art.

3. The Abundance of Golden Poppies

The abundance of golden poppy in the Golden State California is also one reason it got its nickname. Also known as California sunlight, California poppy, flame flower, and a cup of gold orcopa de oro, it is the states official flower since 1903.

This ornamental plant and food garnish has a cup shape, silky texture, and four petals with brilliant yellow, red, and orange shades. It blooms in the wild fields in some areas of the state during spring and summer, making the land and mountains appear golden.

The state celebrates this natures gift every April 6, known as the California Poppy Day, and from May 13 to 18, called the Poppy Week.

4. The Golden Gate Bridge

Who would forget one of the most famous landmarks and tourist destinations in California?TheGolden Gate Bridge!

Built around 1930, this orange-colored bridge spans the Golden Gate strait that connects the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay. When the sun hits the bridges tall towers, youll enjoy how it glows or glistens like gold.

5. One of the Official Colors

Although somewhat related to the discovery of gold, one of the reasons the states nickname is California Golden State is that its one of its official colors, together with blue. The blue color represents the many beaches in the state, as well as the sky. On the other hand, gold represents the states official mineral.

Before becoming the states official colors, though, it was the University of California, Berkeley that started using them as the official school colors from 1875 to the present. Then, around 1913, the Secretary of States office used gold and blue colors on official documents. Hence, in 1951, the colors became the states official color.

6. The Golden Trout

Native to California, theSalmo agua-bonitaor golden trout is the states official fish since 1947. It was usually only found in the icy bodies of water in High Sierra, but people started growing them in hatcheries and distributed them in other bodies of water around the state and across the country.

7. The Garibaldi

Another contributor to making the State of California a good representative of gold is theHypsypops rubicundusor garibaldi fish. It has been the states official marine fish since 1995.

Belonging to the damselfish family, the adult garibaldi has an orange body, while the young ones have a reddish-orange body with bright blue spots! It lives in the shallow bodies of water on the Southern California coast or from the Monterey Bay to Baja California.

8. The California Dogface Butterfly

If youre still unconvinced that California has a lot of goldennon-living and living things to offer, then the beautiful California dogface butterfly or dog head, scientifically known asZerene eurydice, might convince you. It has been the states official insect since 1972.

Being one of the answers to the question Why is California the golden state? the male butterflys yellow wings display a dogs head silhouette. Meanwhile, the female butterfly has a yellow color with a few black spots on its upper wings. Youll find this butterfly from the Sierra Nevadas foothills to the Coast Ranges.

9. The California Valley Quail

The Golden State California has another reason it deserves its nickname: theLaphortyx californicaor California Valley Quail. Its color is a combination of gray, black, and white, but its eggs have thick, gold spots.

It has been the California state bird since 1931, and you can find it throughout the state. During the winter and fall months, youll see them in flocks, while during the spring, theyre usually in pairs.

What is California Known For?

Knowing what to expect in a place where you might want tospend your retirement yearsis essential for your well-being. Apart from The Golden State, California has other unofficial nicknames because of the many things it offers. Lets explore some of those to help you decide if the state is the best place for you. Just keep in mind that you cant find some of the ones listed below throughout California, but in most of its areas.

1. Vineyards and Wineries

Also known as The Grape State, California is among the states with the largest vineyards and more than a thousand small and large wineries. The state can produce approximately 81% of the countrys wine supply, and they even export to Europe. If youre not fond of drinking wine, you can simply visit the vineyards and wineries, mostly in the Bay area, and Central, Russian River, and Napa Valley.

2. Parks and Forests

As noted earlier, California has plenty of wildlife to offer, such as the California state bird, mostly because it still is a perfect habitat. For instance, the state still has beautiful and serene forests to explore, where you can find giant sequoias or redwoods and other gigantic trees.

If exploring the forest with yourreliable, moisture-wicking sun hat(view on Amazon) isnt something you enjoy but love to be close to nature, the state has more than 200 state and national parks. In these parks, youll enjoy the majestic view of natures gift, such as the Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and Death Valley, depending on which park youre in at the moment.

3. Beaches

Repeatedly mentioned earlier, the State of California has many beautiful beaches where you can swim, sunbathe, or simply relax while watching the sun set or rise. Just dont forget to bring aset of beach towels(view on Amazon) for the whole family.

The water is also clear and clean and has a stunning blue color, perfect for any nature lover. Also, when you move to the state to retire and your family plans to visit you, the younger generation can enjoy the waves through surfing!

That is all thanks to the different rock formations in most California beaches. You can also enjoy collecting shells, as there are plenty along the seashores.

4. Hot Springs

If beaches are a little too much for you, dont worry; California has lots of hot springs, too! Although youll find some hot springs that require a little hike or walk from the parking lots, a little exercise is good for your body. Having a companion is always advisable, though. Also, ensure you have your doctors approval if you have any ailments.

With that said,hot springs have health benefitsthat you must take advantage of and enjoy with your visiting family or friends.

5. Disneyland

Who says theme parks are just for the young generation?Theyre also perfect for retirees who want to reminisce their childhood or whove been working hard. Disneyland, California, known as the happiest place on earth, has tons to offer that are safe and enjoyable for the young-at-hearts.

6. Food

Understandably, food is one thing that most of you would include on your list when looking for a home to spend your retirement years or thebest retirement community. California is among the most culturally diverse states in the US, so expect to find various cuisines that will satisfy your cravings. It even has around 90 Michelin-starred restaurants.

7. Hollywood Film Industry

If youre a movie buff, you already have an idea that California equals Hollywood. That isnt only because of the Hollywood sign mounted on top of a mountain. Its also because of the celebrity mansions in different areas in the state. Youll also find several film studios or media houses, including Comedy Central, NBC Studios, CBS Studios, MTV, Dolby Theater, and BET.

You can even come across celebrities during normal days. Additionally, you can visit the Walk of Fame and Graumans Chinese Theater.

If you want to watch live performances in the evening, you can do so thanks to the many theaters. Whats more, is in some theaters, there are nearby libraries, museums, and markets that you can visit while waiting for the theater opening.

Why Is California Called the Golden State: In Conclusion

Literally, California deserves the The Golden State title because of its official mineral, gold, and its contribution to how it blossomed into what it is now. Add that to everything that represents the gold color and the state motto itself. Figuratively, its a golden state simply because it can offer its locals and tourists several things, from attractions to food and activities that one can do.