Why do dogs tilt their heads when you talk to it?

Dogs often have a lot of cute actions, but perhaps the most adorable is when they tilt their heads when they hear the owner say with a confused look.

Most dog owners can tell you that when tilting your head, the dog is attracted to and experiences something unusual. Experts also say that head tilt is more related to a dog's empathy.

Head tilt is more related to a dog's empathy.

The dog has evolved very well in understanding people. They can read our body language, recognize facial expressions and different tones in the voice to empathize with us. They even recognize certain words and intonations and associate them with time to play, walk or to eat. When they tilt their heads, they may be trying to filter what we are saying to pick out the familiar parts of the language.

Although dogs can hear sounds at frequencies that humans cannot hear, they are not really accurate in finding out where the sounds come from. Some experts believe that when a dog tiltes its head, it is trying to adjust the outer ear, to better detect where the sound comes from. So when you're making a strange noise, your dog might be thinking: "That's weird. I should find out if the sound really comes from my master."

Head tilt can also be a response to visual signals , not just hearing. Stanley Coren of Psychology Today magazine found that a dog wearing muzzle can make it more difficult to see the origin of a sound. By tilting their heads, dogs can see our faces better and read our expressions.

A dog may have better hearing than us but not too accurate. Prick up your ears while tilting your head to help them determine where the noise comes from faster. This also helps them interpret our voices and choose familiar words that they hear every day.

Tilt your head to hear better

Suppose you are in a noisy, crowded place, trying to talk to someone. It's hard to hear, so you will tilt one of your ears towards the source of the sound and may even use your hand to block unrelated noise. Some researchers say that is exactly what is happening when your dog tilts his head.

Dog ears are capable of moving, perking up or down, making it easier for them to locate the source of the sound.

Head tilt can also be a response to visual signals, not just hearing.

Tilt your head to see more clearly

People have a relatively flat face, so when we talk to someone, there is nothing that hinders our view. Dogs, on the other hand, have rather long snout and the muzzle prevents them from seeing clearly.

Dr. Stanley Coren has an interesting exercise to prove this: shrink your finger into a fist, then put it on your nose. Hard to see, right? Especially the lower part of someone's face is hard to see. We rely heavily on visual cues when communicating, even glancing at our mouths and lips while chatting. Dogs also do this. Tilting your head left or right creates a new perspective, giving the dog more intuitive information to understand the message.

Tilt your head for expecting something

When the dog hears something, it can prick up its ears and wait for any signal it will follow, for example, a walking order, finding things. Certain words, voices, or even TV sounds can draw attention.

Tilt your head to understand and show empathy

There is one thing like the sixth sense, and the dog absolutely has it. They feel when something is not right, such as when you are irritated and have stumbled toes, or are sad because of falling in love. They can be confused and tilt their heads to assess the situation, and then can give you lots of kisses and jokes. It is called empathy , and it is an admirable trait in humans and dogs.

Tilt your head to receive the reward

If you assume you give your dog a small bone every time he leans his head to wait. It will soon realize that and whenever you want to ask for more rewards, or want to be caressed, it will tilt your head. That's smart, isn't it?

Tilt your head because of health problems

A dog with a head tilt may also signal a potential health problem. If your dog tilts his head often, he may be trying to regain his balance or prevent himself from falling. The culprit may be a vestibular disease. If you have continued falling, nausea, you should quickly take your dog to your veterinarian.