Staring at a dog does not necessarily show dominance. In canine communication, prolonged direct eye contact can be perceived as a threat or aggression by some dogs. However, dominance in dog behavior is not solely determined by staring but rather by a combination of body language and assertiveness exhibited by an individual throughout various interactions with other dogs or humans. A confident posture, control over resources, and display of consistent boundaries can also be indications of dominance in dogs rather than just maintaining eye contact alone.