Dog Goes Viral for Death Stare

Every dog has its own unique way of getting their owner to do their bidding. Maybe it’s doe eyes. Perhaps it’s a paw tenderly placed on the knee. It could be a little nudge with the snout. Others are less delicate, and even a little threatening, when it comes to getting what they want. But one Toy Poodle, known on TikTok as @poodletoyromeo, has gone viral for their “death stare.”

In the funny clip, a brown Toy Poodle sits facing their owner, who is off-camera, recording. The canine seemingly bores holes into their owner’s face. The camera zooms in closer. The caption reads: “This is how my dog behaves when he wants to poo super badly in the morning. He wakes up, jumps out of bed and does a death stare at me until I get up.”

Dog owners chime in

Though this wake-up call is unnerving, it’s not unusual. The comments section was filled with fellow owners who also get the “death stare” from their dogs.

“Omg is this a poodle thing? My mini does this too but he will get closer to my face,” @Yasyas800 wrote.

“My schnauzer sticks his face in the door seam and stands like a statue till I let him out,” @Lynn3 offered.

“Same with my Cavapoo,” @Btied offered. “I taught her from a pup to ring the bell but I guess she’d rather eyeball me.”

How do I know my dog needs to go out?

Not every dog uses the death stare to communicate. According to the Humane Society, some signs your dog needs to go out include:

• Barking
• Scratching at the door
• Squatting
• Restlessness
• Sniffing around
• Circling

“When you see these signs, immediately grab the leash and take them outside to their bathroom spot,” the Humane Society advises. “If they eliminate, praise them and reward with a treat.”

Just like you, dogs shouldn’t have to wait to go to the bathroom! (Even if their death stare is hilarious.) For more on potty training, check out our step-by-step guides on housetraining for puppies and adult dogs!