Get the Popular Science daily newsletterđź’ˇ
Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent six days a week.
“Do you want a treat, Milton?” “Do you want to go for a walk, Bernie?” Annnnd, cue the head tilt from your dog.
Many dogs turn their heads, perk their ears, and stand at attention when their humans say certain words. But why? Well, it’s not just cute. There’s some serious science and fascinating theories about dogs’ ability to understand language. On the latest episode of Ask Us Anything, we explain how dogs’ head tilting likely makes your furry friend able to listen and process information better.
Ask Us Anything answers your most outlandish, mind-burning questions—from the everyday things you’ve always wondered to the bizarre things you never thought to ask. So, yes, there’s a reason why is thunder so dang loud and no, cruise ships aren’t floating petri dishes. If you have a question for us, send us a note. Nothing is too silly or simple.
This episode is based on the Popular Science article “Why do dogs tilt their heads? It isn’t just cute.“
Listen and follow Ask Us Anything on your favorite podcast platform:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Or wherever you get your podcasts.
Sarah Durn: You’re sitting on the couch and your dog is staring at you. So naturally, you start talking to them: “Do you wanna go for a walk?”Â
And then it happens: Their ears shoot up, their eyes lock onto yours, and their head slowly tips to one side.Â
So you try it again: “Do you want a walk?” And there it goes, the head tilts the other way.
But why does your precious Max do this? Why do dogs tilt their heads? Scientists still aren’t really sure why.
Welcome to Ask Us Anything, from the editors of Popular Science, where we answer your questions about our weird world, from “Why didn’t our ancestors need braces” to “Do cats really hate water?” No question is too offbeat or mundane.Â
I’m Sarah Durn, an editor at Popular Science.
Annie Colbert: And I’m editor-in-chief, Annie Colbert.
