Talking Tails - 4/30/19

Although we look amazingly cute, we actually tilt our head for a variety of reasons.

Tilting our head helps us with auditory functionality. Since we can hear a far greater range of sound frequencies than humans, we can detect very minor changes in frequencies. If we tilt our head, we can position our ear in such a way to better locate the source of the sound. We then know where to go to pursue the sound or at least know in which direction to bark!

Our visual acuity is enhanced with a tilt of the head. Some dog breeds, particularly those with prominent muzzles, do not have a full field of view when looking straight ahead. Tilting our head allows us to see from a different angle and provides a full view of the subject. Let’s do an experiment…Put your fist on your nose and look straight ahead. Hard to see around your fist, right? Now keep looking straight ahead and tilt your head. Surprise! What you were looking at is now in complete view.

We may tilt our head when you talk to us because we are listening for certain “words” or inflections in your voice that we associate with fun things. We listen for “treat,” “walk,” and “car,” three of our favorite things!

Talk to you soon!
Buster and Joey