We’ve all seen it—that look your dog gives you as you grab your keys and head for the door. It’s not just sad. It’s confused, intense, maybe even a little betrayed. Why aren’t they coming too? Where are you going without your pack?
There’s an idea that’s been floating around among dog lovers and behaviorists: maybe your dog thinks you’re going hunting. It might sound funny at first, but when you consider how dogs see the world, it actually makes a lot of sense.
Let’s break it down.
How Dogs See Their Humans
To your dog, you’re not just a human. You’re part of their pack—probably the leader. Dogs are pack animals by nature. Their survival instinct tells them that sticking with the pack, following the leader, and doing their part is how they thrive.
So when the pack leader suddenly leaves the den (your house) alone, without inviting them along, your dog notices. They might not understand why you’re going, but they definitely know you’re up to something important.
Dogs Were Literally Bred to Hunt With Us
Thousands of years ago, dogs didn’t sit around in sweaters. They worked. Most breeds were developed to perform specific tasks, and a lot of those jobs revolved around hunting or retrieving.
Pointers, retrievers, hounds, terriers—these dogs all evolved alongside humans to help us track, chase, flush out, or retrieve game. Even smaller companion breeds were often used for pest control.
Even if your dog now sleeps in a plush bed and eats kibble, those old instincts are still baked in. They’re hardwired to notice when their leader is going out on a mission.
What Leaving the House Looks Like From a Dog’s POV
Think about your leaving routine. You put on different clothes. You grab your keys, maybe a bag. You walk with purpose. You act serious. You don’t stop to play or make eye contact. Then—you’re gone.
To a dog, this might look like a hunting ritual. And when you come back? You’ve got bags full of food (aka “the kill”), new smells, and sometimes even traces of other animals or people. It checks all the boxes in a dog’s mind.
So yeah, it’s not far-fetched to think they believe you’ve just been out hunting without them.
Their Reactions Start to Make More Sense
If you’ve ever wondered why your dog:
- Waits by the door after you leave
- Whines or barks when you head out
- Brings you a toy when you grab your coat
- Acts excited or “sniffs you over” when you get back
…it could be because they’re responding to your “hunt.”
That toy they dropped at your feet? Maybe they thought you needed backup. The sniffing? They’re tracking where you’ve been—just like they would with a returning pack member.
Dogs that show signs of separation anxiety may be especially distressed because they feel left behind from a mission they should be a part of. In their world, being cut off from the pack is dangerous—and confusing.
How You Can Help Your Dog Feel Secure When You Leave
If your dog seems stressed or upset when you go out, there are a few ways you can ease their mind and make the experience smoother for both of you:
Give Them a “Job”
Dogs like to feel useful. Try giving them a treat puzzle, a frozen Kong, or a chew toy before you go. It gives them something to focus on while you’re “hunting.”
Make Your Exit Low-Key
No long, emotional goodbyes. Keep it casual. Dogs feed off your energy, and if you’re acting like leaving is no big deal, they’ll be more likely to believe that too.
Create a Predictable Routine
If your dog knows what to expect, they’ll feel more secure. Try leaving and coming back at consistent times, or follow a regular routine so they’re not left guessing.
Leave a Comfort Item
Something that smells like you—an old shirt, a blanket—can be surprisingly reassuring to a dog.
Practice Short Absences
Build their confidence by leaving for just a few minutes at a time and gradually increasing how long you’re gone. Show them that you always come back.
Final Thoughts: You’re the Hunter in Their Eyes
Dogs don’t see the world the way we do. They see it in terms of survival, instinct, and pack dynamics. So next time you head out with a grocery list and a quick wave goodbye, remember: your dog might be watching you go off on what they believe is a noble, food-gathering mission.
And when you return, don’t be surprised if they celebrate like you’ve just brought down a woolly mammoth. In their eyes, you kind of did.