Title: Why Dogs Tilt Their Heads | VCA Animal Hospital
Headings: Why Dogs Tilt Their Heads
Why Dogs Tilt Their Heads
By Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM; Lynn Buzhardt, DVM
Why do dogs cock their heads when they hear a strange sound?
How does head-tilting help with hearing?
Why does my dog tilt his head when I am directly in front of him?
Does the head tilt help with communication in any other ways?
Do we encourage this behavior?
When does the head tilt mean a medical problem?
Ear Canal Tumors
Vestibular Disease in Dogs

Content: Do we encourage this behavior? There are several factors involved in the canine head tilt and it is human nature to respond to the “cuteness” of the head tilt with positive reinforcement. When dogs cock their heads, we give them a good pat, speak in a kind tone, and smile. So, another reason that dogs cock their heads is because we teach them to do it by providing positive reinforcement. Our response to the head tilt encourages repetition, so the more we gush over the cute canine head tilt, the more we get to enjoy it! When does the head tilt mean a medical problem? A consistent head tilt that is not associated with communication may indicate a medical problem. Infections of the external ear canal caused by bacteria or yeast may cause pain, itching, and the occasional head tilt. Middle ear infections are more serious and are often accompanied by a more persistent head tilt. Holding the head to the side may also indicate a neurological problem such as vestibular disease (see handout “Vestibular Disease in Dogs”).