A canine behaviourist has shared the science behind dogs tilting their heads, branding it “fascinating” while also explaining its close link to the bonds between a dog and their owner
Many dog owners will have spotted their pet tilting their heads when speaking to them and, while it’s commonly regarded as a cute and endearing habit, there’s a “fascinating” reason behind it. A professional dog trainer has shared how it could even offer insight into the depth of a bond between owners and their dogs.
There’s lots of popular choices when it comes to pets, from cats, rabbits and guinea pigs to ferrets, snakes and even birds. But dogs are arguable one of the most beloved options, with millions of proud owners across the globe choosing them as the perfect addition to the family.
With a huge variety of breeds and sizes available, dogs are universally celebrated for their loyalty, affection and unwavering companionship.
Many owners are eager to better understand their furry companions, delving into the reasons behind certain quirks and behaviours. Social media has become a go-to resource for guidance and advice, with fellow owners, vets and industry experts all sharing their knowledge online.
Canine behaviourist Will Atherton has built up a devoted following across social media, regularly posting videos that draw on his extensive experience and expertise working with dogs.
In a clip posted to TikTok, Will detailed the reason behind the common behaviour of head tilting.
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 towards his much-loved dog Sully, as the footage cut to scenes of Will alongside his dogs.
The trainer went on: “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 explain what a dog might be attempting to communicate when they tilt their head.
He said: “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.
“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.”
What else does it mean when a dog tilts their head?
Will went on: “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.”


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