Expert finally settles why dogs tilt their heads when you talk to them
Many owners will have spotted their dogs tilting their heads (stock image) (Image: Getty)
A professional dog trainer has lifted the lid on the “fascinating” reason why so many dogs tilt their heads when their owners speak to them – and it could “melt” people’s hearts.
Millions of people all around the world are proud dog owners, with the beloved animal a top choice for those looking to bring a pet into their family. There’s a vast array of breeds and sizes to choose from but, across the board, dogs are famed for their loyalty, affection and the companionship they provide.
Lots of owners are keen to gain a deeper understanding of their dog and the reasons behind certain habits and behaviours. Many turn to social media looking for guidance and advice from fellow owners, as well as from professionals like vets and other experts.
Canine behaviourist Will Atherton has amassed a loyal following on social media thanks to his regular uploads which detail his opinions and expertise based on his tenure working with dogs.
In a video on TikTok, he shared the reason behind the relatively common behaviour of head tilting.
Why do dogs tilt their head when you talk to them?
Will began: “The reason your dog tilts their head when you talk to them is way more fascinating than most people realise.”
He then gestured to his beloved dog Sully, with the footage cutting to show clips of Will with his dogs.
The trainer continued: “Take young Sully here. He does it constantly, and every single time someone sees it, they go absolutely mad for it.
“‘Oh, isn’t that adorable? Isn’t he clever?’ And yes, he is adorable, but there is real science behind what is happening in that moment – and understanding it will actually make you a better dog owner.”
Will then went on to discuss what a dog may be trying to achieve when they tilt their heads.
He explained: “When your dog hears your voice, they are doing two things simultaneously.
“They are trying to locate the precise source of the sound, and they are trying to read your facial expressions and lip movements to gather as much information about what it is you’re trying to communicate.
@iamwillatherton One of the little things I love about dogs is the head tilt. You say something, make a noise, ask them a question they clearly don’t understand… and suddenly they look like they’re trying to solve the meaning of life. But there are a few reasons dogs may do it. Sometimes it’s simply because they’re trying to hear better. Tilting the head can help them locate where a sound is coming from or pick up on certain tones in your voice. Sometimes it’s visual too. Depending on the shape of their muzzle, moving their head slightly can help them see your face more clearly, especially your mouth and facial expressions. And then there’s the learned part. If your dog tilts their head and you laugh, smile, talk to them, or give them attention, there’s a good chance they’ll realise that behaviour works. And as we always say, dogs repeat what works. So for most dogs, the head tilt is just a lovely mix of curiosity, listening, reading us, and occasionally knowing exactly how to get a reaction. Nothing to panic about. Just one of those small behaviours that reminds you how much dogs are constantly trying to understand the world around them. #dogbehaviour #dogtraining #dogfacts #dogowner #caninebehaviour ♬ original sound – Will Atherton (MSc)
“The tilt physically adjusts the position of their ears to improve directional hearing, and it also moves the muzzle out of their line of sight so they can see your face more clearly.
“Now, here is the part that really matters. Dogs that have a stronger bond with their owner tilt their heads more frequently.
“It’s not a random quirk. It is a sign that your dog is genuinely engaged with you and that they are trying to understand you, and that they see you as a source of meaningful information.”
Will added: “Sully’s got a beautiful soul, and that head tilt of his tells me everything that I need to know about where we are in our relationship.
“So the next time your dog does it, do not just melt and move on – recognise it for what it is: your dog working hard to connect with you.
“Lean into that, work with it more, engage with them more and build that relationship through it more.
“It is the foundation of everything.”
