Most dog parents’ hearts melt when they see their dog twist their head. But why dogs tilt their heads in this heartwarming manner may escape you.
The cute head twist might happen as you ask your pup if they want to go for a walk, mention their favorite, or say the name of their person. It gets me every time I see my dog, Henry, tilt his head when I talk to him.
Scientists and behavior experts think there are a few reasons behind the tilt.
1. They’re trying to understand you.
Dogs are engaged listeners, well, at least most of the time, unless they’re on their own agenda. Scientists theorize that at least some dogs tilt their head when they recognize a word like cookie, walk, vet, bath, or ride.
That means your dog’s head tilt might be more of a thinking motion. “Did she just say cookie or vet?”
2. It may help them hear better.
It may help them hear better. It could literally be a way to hear you better. Think of yourself holding the menu out to read it more clearly because you forgot your glasses at home. This could be your dog trying to bring your words into sharp focus.
3. They might be trying to see your face.
Facial cues are critical for dogs in communicating with their humans. Some experts think the head tilt gives your dog a better view of your face to more accurately interpret your words. Think about how your face changes when you ask your dog if they want a bath or a cookie. It changes because you know what comes next. It’s either easy or more of a challenge.
4. It works on humans (and they know it)
Your dog might simply be playing with you. That head tilt usually brings on a smile, good boy, pet, or treat. It’s not meant negatively. It’s a positive behavior that results in something positive for your dog. It could simply be a learned behavior that your dog knows will make you and him happy. My dog, Henry, is great at learning what will get a positive result. I may forget on a long day that he gets a cookie and a kiss when he sits in his bed at bedtime. But Henry never forgets.
5. Some dogs just do it more than others.
All dogs are different. Some pups are simply more expressive listeners. It can be a habit. Like you sighing as you get up from sitting. You may not need to make that noise, but it’s a habit.
Fun Dog Fact: Studies show that dogs are more likely to tilt their heads when they’re being spoken to by women than men. It’s thought that might be because women have higher-pitched voices to grab attention and encourage the active listening tilt.
The next time your dog tilts his head while you’re talking, it may very well mean something. Or your pup might be training you with the behavior and knows that a cookie is on its way.
