Mary Allen
In certain situations, dogs show a special behavior: they tilt their heads to the side. But why are they actually doing this? To look cute? No, the real reason is even more endearing.
If you speak to a dog and tell him a few sentences, it often happens that he tilts his head slightly to the side. Other dogs will swing their heads from side to side and then back again. For us humans, this gives the impression that they are listening to us very carefully. But is that really the real reason? Only in part.
It is believed that dogs tilt their heads to the side to hear better. This is mainly due to the structure of the dog’s ear: Dogs are much more sensitive to noise than we are and hear numerous frequencies that we cannot hear. However, they are much less able to identify the source of the noise than we humans can.
Head movement helps them determine where a sound is coming from and pick it up better. They basically adjust their ears until they find the best possible “listening position”. Isn’t that just cute?
Two fluffy ears just for you
The second reason for the movement is even cuter: Dogs are able and, above all, willing to show compassion. Everyone who has or once had a dog knows that the four-legged friends have very fine antennae for emotions and seek our closeness when we are sad, exhausted, or happy.
However, since the dog has a very different language and body language than we do, scientists assume that the head movement is a sign of affection, with which dogs want to show their sympathy to us.
So the next time you’re talking to your dog and he cocks his head, don’t laugh at him for looking so funny, give him a good hug and be glad you have such a loyal companion on your side.
We wish you a lot of joy with your dog!