Our pups all do some funny and odd things but one of the most interesting is the head tilt. Here are a few possible explanations for why they do it!

• They're trying to hear better
Dogs have movable earflaps that help them locate the source of a sound, but they also have brains that can compute time differences between the sound reaching each ear. A slight change in a dog's head position supplies additional information that the canine can use to judge a sound's distance.

• They're trying to understand us
The muscles of a dog's middle ear are controlled by a part of the brain that's also responsible for facial expressions and head movements, so when a canine tilts his head, he's trying to perceive what you're saying, as well as communicate to you that he's listening.

• They can't see our faces easily
In an effort to understand us, dogs not only use our words and inflection, but also facial expressions, body language and eye movements. Because of this, it's important for them to see our faces, so Dr. Stanley Corren reasons that when dogs cock their heads they're trying to see us better.

• We've taught them to do it
When dogs tilt their heads when we speak, it's undeniably cute — just check out the video below — and we have a tendency to respond to the behavior with positive reinforcement. Perhaps we say “aww” in a pleasing tone of voice or offer the dog a treat.

To read more about these reactions or expressions, that cute little head cock, please go to Mother Nature Network. It will give you more information as to why the experts think our dogs do what they so cutely do!

Let’s see, head tilt or digging up the back yard. Which would we rather have Max do? Head tilt!