Unleashing the Power: Dogs' Wind-Swept Ears Unveiled!
How Did Dogs Develop Their SuperEars?
Skill One: The Ability to Adjust Ear Positions to Locate Sounds
Have you ever noticed how a dog's ears move when they hear a sound? It turns out that dogs have a significant advantage over humans in this department. Dogs possess a multitude of muscles in their ears, typically with seventeen muscles controlling each ear. This allows them to freely sway their ears in various directions, capturing sounds from 32 different angles. This remarkable ability enables them to accurately identify and locate sounds more effectively than humans can.
Skill Two: A Broader Range of Audio Frequencies
Dogs can hear sounds at frequencies up to 50 kHz (humans can hear up to 20 kHz, and cats can hear up to 65 kHz). This means that dogs can detect sounds that are beyond the human hearing range, particularly those at higher frequencies. This sensitivity is why whistles are often used as training signals for dogs, as they can hear these highpitched sounds that humans cannot.
Skill Three: A Hearing Range Four Times Further Than Humans, with a Total Capability 16 Times Greater
Dogs are always on high alert, ready to respond to the slightest sound. When their owner approaches the door, the dog may already be aware of the approaching car or footsteps from several blocks away. This is not due to any supernatural ability but rather their exceptional hearing. In the quiet of the night, you might have seen your dog barking at thin air. Don't be startled; they might just be reacting to the faint sounds they can hear from a great distance.
PS:
The different ear shapes of dogs greatly influence their hearing capabilities. For instance, standing ears on a dog can enhance their alertness compared to dogs with droopy ears. Just like humans, dogs' hearing range tends to decrease as they age.
Remember, the unique ears of each dog play a significant role in their ability to perceive the world around them, and their hearing is a remarkable gift that sets them apart from us humans.
