Dogs have incredibly sensitive hearing, far better than humans. They can hear sounds that we can’t, which means there are ringtones and other noises that only dogs can hear. It’s important to recognize when our dogs are hearing something that we can’t, as it can cause distress for them.
Signs Your Dog Can Hear Something You Can’t
There are certain signs that indicate your dog is hearing something that you can’t. They may stare or look in a certain direction, seemingly at nothing. They may also bark, giving the impression that they’re barking at nothing. Other signs include tilting their head, perking their ears forward or backward, and swiveling their ears (depending on the breed). They may also appear alert, with forward-pointing ears, wide open eyes, and a closed mouth. If your dog doesn’t like a particular noise, they may cry or whine to let you know that it bothers them. Some dogs may even try to cover their ears or run away from the sound if it’s too loud or high-pitched for their sensitive ears.
Body Language
When dogs hear something we can’t, they may exhibit certain body language cues such as growling, staring, being alert, whining, turning their head, whimpering, having a stiff tail, or freezing in place. Other signs include having their ears forward, tilting or bobbing their head, swiveling or adjusting their ears, having a closed mouth, wide open eyes, and a smooth forehead or nose.
The History Behind Dogs Hearing Things We Can’t
Dogs evolved from wolves, and they still retain many of the genes that allow them to have exceptional hearing. The need to hunt small, quiet prey in their natural habitats led to the development of their keen sense of hearing. Dog whistles were invented in 1896 to explore the hearing frequencies that dogs and other animals can hear but humans cannot. They have been used for training purposes, including in police and military work. Some dog owners have used them to discourage negative behaviors, associating the sound with unwanted actions. There are even ringtones designed specifically for dogs, with high frequencies that humans cannot hear.
The Science Behind Dog’s Hearing
Dogs have larger and more flexible ears compared to humans, allowing them to hear better. They can hear twice as well as we can and have a wider frequency range. While humans can hear frequencies between 20 and 20,000 Hz, dogs can hear frequencies from 40 to 60,000 Hz. This enhanced hearing ability enables dogs to detect sounds that are beyond our range.
Training Your Dog to Hear Things
Although you can’t train your dog to hear better, you can use dog whistles to train them. While some owners are hesitant to use whistles or ringtones due to the potential discomfort for their dogs, others find them useful for discouraging negative behaviors. By associating the sound with unwanted actions, dogs learn to avoid those behaviors. Negative reinforcement methods, such as redirecting destructive behavior or rewarding positive actions, can also be effective in training dogs. It’s important to prioritize your dog’s hearing health by avoiding loud and startling noises that can harm their ears and cause distress.
“Dogs have the remarkable ability to hear things that we will never be able to. Their hearing range is two times better than ours, allowing them to pick up on sounds that are completely imperceptible to us. So, when your dog starts exhibiting signs of alertness or discomfort, pay attention because they may be hearing something that only their sensitive ears can detect.”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Pay attention to your dog’s body language: Dogs exhibit specific behaviors and body language when they hear something that you can’t. Look out for signs like staring, head tilting, ear perking, and alertness. Understanding your dog’s body language can help you identify when they are hearing something that bothers them.
2️⃣ Be mindful of sounds that may bother your dog: Dogs have a much better sense of hearing than humans, so they can hear sounds that we can’t. Certain noises like high-pitched ringtones or dog whistles may be uncomfortable or distressing for your dog. If you notice your dog acting uncomfortable or upset, try to identify and eliminate the source of the sound.
3️⃣ Use positive reinforcement and avoid negative reinforcement: When training your dog, focus on positive reinforcement rather than using sounds that may hurt their ears as a form of negative reinforcement. Reward your dog for good behavior and redirect their destructive behavior. Avoid using loud, startling noises as a means of discipline or training, as it can be harmful to their sensitive ears.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. What signs should I look for to know if my dog is hearing something that I can’t?
– Signs to look for include staring at something, barking at seemingly nothing, cocking their head to one side, perking their ears forward or backward, swiveling their ears (depending on breed), and being alert with wide open eyes and closed mouth.
2. Why can dogs hear things that humans can’t?
– Dogs have a range of hearing that is two times better than humans and can hear four times farther than humans. They evolved from wolves, who needed to hunt small and quiet prey, so they developed great senses of hearing.
3. What are some body language cues that indicate my dog is hearing something I can’t?
– Growling, staring, alertness, whining, head turning, whimpering, stiff tail, freezing, ears forward, head tilting or bobbing, swiveling or adjusting their ears, closed mouth, wide open eyes, smooth forehead or nose.
4. How did dog whistles come about and why are they used?
– Dog whistles were invented in 1896 by a scientist to understand the hearing frequencies of dogs and other animals. They have been used for training purposes, especially in police and military training. They can also be used to curb negative habits by associating the sound with the behavior.
5. Can I train my dog to hear better?
– You cannot train your dog to hear better, but you can use dog whistles as a training tool. However, some owners choose not to use them as they can hurt their dog’s ears. Dog whistles can be used to deter negative behaviors by associating the sound with the behavior and using negative reinforcement techniques.
