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Do dogs tilt their heads because they're confused?
Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2016 9:35 am
by Philosophy Explorer
Seems plausible for a reason.
Here's a video to stimulate discussion:
https://youtu.be/VHe9rnhWJL8
PhilX
Re: Do dogs tilt their heads because they're confused?
Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2016 1:39 am
by prothero
https://www.newscientist.com/article/21 ... aise-them/
There is reasonable evidence that dogs understand words and emotional tone and process language in their brains in a manner similar to humans. There is also evidence that animals process emotion in much the same way as humans (in evolution the reverse). Emotions are widespread in the animal kingdom and similar brain areas and structures are involved. Other than extreme anthropo-centrism and species arrogance there is little reason to suppose animals do not have inner emotional states similar to humans.
Re: Do dogs tilt their heads because they're confused?
Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2016 3:05 am
by Dubious
prothero wrote: Emotions are widespread in the animal kingdom and similar brain areas and structures are involved. Other than extreme anthropo-centrism and species arrogance there is little reason to suppose animals do not have inner emotional states similar to humans.
Exactly right. It's extremely tragic for most dogs and cats in the Asiatic world that the assholes haven't caught on yet and can hardly be called civilized until they do.
Re: Do dogs tilt their heads because they're confused?
Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2016 5:38 am
by Greta
It seems to me that the dogs tilt to pay attention. It's an alert state, ready to receive information. Then again, I probably tilt my head to read small type. I suspect that that's how human words seem to dogs - like small type that requires "aural squinting". By tilting their ears dogs gain different perspectives of the sonic field.
Harmless animal responsiveness are pleasing to us humans, especially useful responsiveness, but also cute and childlike responses. It's possible that the head tilting trait has been unconsciously bred into our current generations of dogs along with the consciously encouraged physical cuteness. The pugs (lol!), amongst others, were clearly engaging in display behaviours rather than checking their aural fields.
Re: Do dogs tilt their heads because they're confused?
Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2016 4:09 pm
by OuterLimits
Domestic dogs have genetic specializations to make them especially receptive and attentive to human commands and instructions.
Recent experiments show that this is a big difference between domesticated dogs and wolves - even raised from birth.
Dogs, But Not Wolves, Use Humans As Tools
http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/tho ... -as-tools/
Our creepiest genetic invention, the dog.
http://www.slate.com/articles/health_an ... nfido.html