Maintain eye contact.
Your dog seems to be communicating when they lock eyes with someone or something. A fixed, intense look may indicate aggression or a sense of menace. They seem to be warning you, “Beware, I’m on edge.”
Conversely, soft and somewhat squinty eyes are often a positive indicator for your dog. It indicates that they are content and at ease, as evidenced by the slight smile in their eyes.
But what if your dog completely avoids making eye contact? Something may indicate that they are tense or uneasy, as if they are attempting to communicate that they would prefer not to deal with something at this time.
You will therefore understand your dog’s thoughts better the next time they give you “that look.”