Can my dog understand what I say to him?
Posted by admin in Dog Supplies Q&A, Dog Supplies Tips, tags: Dog, Dog Advice, dog care, Dog Healths, dog Q&A, dog supplies, dog supplies advice, Pet SuppliesCan my dog understand what I say to him?
Certainly a dog is capable of understanding a number of simple command words (such as ‘Sit’, ‘Stay’, ‘Come’, ‘No’ and so on) and of learning the appropriate behavior that is required when these are spoken. However, his brain isn’t sufficiently well developed to appreciate the meaning of complete sentences; a man has a body of similar size to a St Bernard but his brain is seven times larger.
A dog’s apparent understanding of sentences is based upon his ability to recognize key words (such as walk, biscuit, bed, car etc.) in those sentences. Since, by experience, he has learned to associate the word with certain events he will make an appropriate response, for instance anticipating receiving a biscuit or waiting near the door in expectation of a car ride. Essentially, therefore, dogs do not have the command of language.
Even though what you say may not be understood, your dog will be very receptive to the tone of voice in which words are spoken. This tells him whether you are pleased or angry with him and he will respond accordingly. Unpleasant words spoken in a soothing voice to the accompaniment of stroking will give him pleasure; kind words spoken in a harsh voice whilst staring hard at him will elicit a worried and submissive response.
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