Dogs have a remarkable sense of hearing that is more powerful than our own. They can hear high-frequency sounds outside our range of hearing and detect sounds from far away. However, dogs are not as adept as humans at picking up low-frequency sounds. This article explores why humans are better at low frequencies and why dogs can detect high frequencies.
Dog Hearing Signs
When your dog hears a sound that you can’t, you can observe their body language to confirm. Watch for changes in their ears, as they perk up and start rotating and tilting to locate the source of the noise. Your dog may also show excitement or fear depending on the nature of the sound. Dogs are more likely to hear high-frequency sounds, but not all low-frequency sounds.
Body Language
Look for signs that your dog has detected a sound, such as being alert, barking, head tilting, wagging tail, head turning, tail up, and ears up. Other signs include ears perking up, ears rotating and tilting, moving head to detect the source of sound, and moving to investigate the sound.
The Science Behind Your Dog’s Hearing
Dogs have a wider range of hearing than humans. While humans can hear sounds from 20Hz to 20,000Hz, dogs can hear sounds from 40Hz to 50,000Hz or even 60,000Hz. Dogs use a process called binaural spectral-difference cueing to detect where a sound is coming from. They compare the sound’s frequency in each ear, with the ear furthest from the sound partially “shadowed” by the dog’s head. Dogs also have 18 muscles in their ears, longer ear canals, and can hear sounds from four times further away than humans.
Training Your Dog to Listen
No matter how good your dog’s hearing is, it’s important that they listen to you. To improve selective hearing, reward your dog when they listen or pay attention to you. Use treats, playtime, or praise as rewards. Regular training to teach basic commands is also crucial. Start training from a young age and use a patient, rewards-based approach. Once your dog understands what you want, gradually introduce distractions. Stay calm and consistent, avoiding anger or frustration. With repetition, your dog will understand the importance of listening to you and avoid dangerous situations.
Dogs have a much wider range of hearing than humans, but they are not as adept at picking up low-frequency sounds.
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Dogs have a much wider range of hearing than humans, so be aware that they can hear sounds that are outside of our range. This includes high-frequency sounds that we may not be able to detect.
2️⃣ Watch your dog’s body language for signs that they have detected a sound. These signs can include perking up their ears, rotating and tilting their head, and moving to investigate the sound.
3️⃣ Training your dog to listen is important, regardless of their hearing abilities. Use positive reinforcement and rewards to encourage them to pay attention to you and follow your instructions. Regular training and starting in a distraction-free environment can increase the chances of success.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. Why are dogs better at detecting high-frequency sounds than humans?
– Dogs have a wider range of hearing, including the ability to hear frequencies up to 50,000Hz or even 60,000Hz, compared to humans who can only hear up to 20,000Hz.
2. How can you tell if your dog has detected a sound?
– Watch for signs such as alertness, barking, head tilting, tail wagging, head turning, ears perking up, and ears rotating and tilting.
3. How do dogs determine the source of a sound?
– Dogs use a process called binaural spectral-difference cueing, which allows them to compare the frequency of a sound as it arrives in each ear, helping them determine its source.
4. What special features do dogs have that enhance their hearing abilities?
– Dogs have 18 muscles in their ears, longer ear canals, and the ability to hear sounds from up to four times further away than humans.
5. How can you train your dog to listen and overcome selective hearing?
– Use rewards and positive reinforcement to teach your dog that listening to you is beneficial. Start training basic commands from a young age and maintain a calm and consistent approach.
