30/06/2025
Credit: Dogs Disclosed
WHY DO DOGS TILT THEIR HEADS?
Some dogs have a really adorable way of tilting their heads to the side when we speak to them or when they hear certain types of sounds.
It’s thought that dogs that are more social are more likely to perform a head tilt to encourage and engage our interaction, but the most likely scientific reasons are to improve the accuracy of sight, hearing and interpretation.
Tilting the head changes the shape of the ear canal and positions the ears for a more accurate determination of sound direction. Head tilts are also seen when dogs focus on specific frequencies and tones in a person’s voice.
Their muzzle gets in the way, especially when looking at something in front of them. Tilting allows them to see around the muzzle and get a clearer picture.
We may not realise it, but dogs notice our facial expressions and may tilt to get a better view of our face and interpret any expressive cues.
Some other reasons are to obtain and process more information when they find something curious or interesting or simply because it’s a behaviour that has been rewarded with attention so the action will be repeated.
Head tilting with no apparent trigger, may be due to a health problem like an ear infection or vestibular issues which requires a vet check.
Interestingly, in human body language, we subconsciously perceive another person to be a good listener, be more empathetic, more trustworthy and are more drawn to that person if they tilt their head whilst engaging with us. Maybe dogs have instinctively known this all along - after all they are the true experts when it comes to communicating through body language !
