If you’ve owned a dog for any length of time, you’re likely aware of their incredible hearing abilities. Dogs can hear about four times better than humans, thanks to their specialized ear anatomy and the 16 muscles in each ear. It’s no wonder they seem to have superhuman hearing!
Signs Your Dog is Hearing Something Through the Walls
If your dog is hearing something on the other side of a wall or inside it, they will display certain signs. Understanding these signs is crucial in decoding what your dog is trying to communicate.
First, you may notice your dog’s ears perk up, wiggle, and rotate as they try to focus on the sound. They may also use their nose to gather more information about what they’re hearing.
Next, your dog may run to different spots on the wall to get a better grasp of the sound. They may scratch, whine, or paw at the wall. Your dog might even run to the door, indicating their interest in exploring what’s happening on the other side.
Your dog may exhibit behaviors such as running back and forth, circling an area, howling, barking, whining, or sniffing and licking the walls to gather more information about the sound.
Body Language
Here are some signs to watch for if your dog is hearing things through the wall:
– Alert posture
– Barking
– Scratching
– Whimpering
– Head bobbing
– Tail wagging
– Ears up
Other Signs
There are additional signs to look out for, such as:
– Pacing
– Circling
– Staring at walls
– Sniffing walls
– Whimpering
– Scratching
– Panting
– Running
The History Behind Dogs’ Hearing
Dogs’ exceptional hearing abilities can be traced back to their ancestors, wolves. Wolves needed sharp senses to be successful hunters, so their noses, eyes, and ears evolved to be far superior to those of other animals. Your dog’s ability to hear so well is a direct result of this evolutionary trait.
The Science Behind Your Dog’s Ears
Dogs’ ears are structurally different from human ears, which explains their superior hearing. Unlike human ears that lay flat against the head, dog ears are on top, allowing for better sound reception. Additionally, dog ears are larger and can move independently, thanks to the 16 muscles in each ear. Dogs also have a longer and more efficient ear canal, enabling them to pick up sounds from greater distances. They can hear frequencies ranging from 40-60,000Hz, while humans can only hear from 20-20,000Hz.
Training Your Dog to Signal When They Hear Something
While you can’t improve your dog’s hearing ability, you can train them to signal when they hear specific sounds. Dogs’ exceptional hearing makes them excellent guards, as they can detect sounds humans can’t. By training your dog to give you a specific signal when they hear something, you can address any issues and ensure your dog’s safety.
Start by teaching your dog basic verbal and gesture commands and reward them for following these commands. Then, practice with your dog, teaching them to respond to specific sounds with a particular command. Consistency, positive reinforcement, and regular practice are key to successful training.
“Train your dog to be your own personal sound detector.”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Pay attention to your dog’s body language: If you suspect your dog is hearing something through the walls, look for signs such as perked-up ears, sniffing, scratching, whining, and running to certain spots on the wall. These behaviors can indicate that your dog is trying to get a better grasp on what they’re hearing.
2️⃣ Understand the history and science behind dogs’ hearing abilities: Dogs have evolved from wolves, who relied on their senses, including their ears, to be successful hunters. Dogs have larger ears, more muscles in each ear, and a longer ear canal, which allows them to hear sounds better than humans. They also have a wider frequency range, making them more sensitive to high-frequency sounds.
3️⃣ Train your dog to signal when they hear something: While you can’t improve your dog’s hearing, you can train them to alert you when they hear specific sounds. Start by teaching your dog basic verbal and gesture commands, then practice with them to associate a specific command with the sound they should alert you to. Consistency, rewards, and positive reinforcement are key to successful training.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. How can you tell if your dog is hearing something in the walls?
– Signs to look for include perking up ears, sniffing, scratching and pawing at the wall, and running to the door.
2. What are some signs that indicate your dog is hearing things through the wall?
– Signs to watch for include alertness, barking, scratching, whimpering, head bobbing, wiggling, ears up, pacing, circling, staring at walls, sniffing walls, panting, and running.
3. Why do dogs have such good hearing?
– Dogs have evolved from wolves, who needed sharp senses for hunting. Their ears are designed differently from humans, with more muscles and a longer ear canal, allowing them to pick up sounds from farther away.
4. How do dog ears differ from human ears?
– Dog ears are larger, stick straight up, and have over 16 muscles each, allowing them to move and adjust their ears to better hear sounds. They also have a longer and more efficient ear canal.
5. Can dogs be trained to signal when they hear something?
– Yes, dogs can be trained to give specific signals when they hear something, even if it’s through walls. Consistent practice, positive reinforcement, and rewards can be used to train dogs to bark or approach and nudge when they hear specific sounds.
