Why do dogs tilt their heads when you whine at them?

Question

Or just, why do dogs tip there heads like they do. I assume it is because they are confused, but why is that their reaction?

Answer 1

They do it when you whine because it angles their heads better to hear what you are doing. Its like the equivalent of a human putting his hand up to his ear to hear you better. The do it to hear the same sound at a different angle to better decipher where its coming from and what it is. It makes them look confused, and in a way they are, but just as to what or who is making the noise.

Answer 2

Whining noises are probably high-pitched to their ears. My dogs tilt their heads when I am saying something that excites them. "Do you want a treat", etc. Also if I tell them something important, like I am going to be leaving for a while and I'll be back soon. To me, my dogs do it when they are listening intently and understand what I am saying.

Answer 3

They aren't confused, just trying to hear you better. My dogs understand certain phrases that I have used in training them. And if I say something they associate with fun, such as "Let's go bye bye", their heads tilt like crazy and they get all excited and zoom to the door.

Answer 4

Because when they tilt their heads they know how darling they look and then you'll give them a treat. They are smarter then you realize. Ha, ha.

Answer 5

Good question, I often wondered that myself, my dog looks so cute when he does that!!!! Cute and confused.

Answer 6

dogs have sensitive ears they can hear a pin drop our voices sound so loud to them it hurts their ears