What does it Mean When a Dog Tilts its Head?
Dog Body Language and a Doggy Head Tilt
As a body language expert and the former spokesperson for
PupPeroni Dog Treats I have studied human and dog body language for many years.
A head tilt in a dog can be a sign of submission. A dog’s head can
be held even and high to show power and confidence. Even and balanced to show
neutrality. When the dog’s head tilt is extreme, that is when the neck is
exposed and the head is down really far, it is a signal to dogs or people they
perceive as Alpha that, “You are more powerful and I bare my neck to show you
that you could bite me and take me down in a fight.”
It can also be a signal of submission, “I don’t understand what
you want, Pet Parent.” This signal is tied to their desire to understand what
you, their pet parent, desire. When compared with other animals, a dog’s
ability to "read” humans is highly accurate. Dogs try very hard to figure
out what we want and please us. Dogs pick up information from the subtlest hand
gestures and even understand the meaning of a human glance and other facial
expressions and vocal variations. Researchers believe that over centuries
there’s been direct selection for dogs with the ability to read social cues in
humans, highlighting its importance. They are actually more accurate at reading
human body language than chimpanzees.
FYI
A dog shows his confidence and openness to interact by standing
with his:
1. Head high, Ears up
2. Mouth open
3. Posture relaxed, loose legs stance, weight flat on his paws
