Some of them can understand a great number of words and commands. Tests have shown they can even match 2D images of objects with the object itself - without any assistance.
They also have a fantastic sense of what sort of mood we are in, and how weak or strong we are.
My dog Scruffy certainly knows certain words, and today we were in a Tesco's car park when he heard another dog. He got agitated at first but then the dog in the distance would bark, then Scruffy had his "say"! I'm sure they were chatting. Also like another poster has said, they know our moods, as if I show any sign of even minimal road rage, Scruffy gets agitated too.
Our Virginia (Jinnie) has learnt lots of meanings to words over her 8 years.
Ball, stick, chocolate, pub, down, paw etc. The latest word she has "learned" is weekend. When I walk in from work on a Friday I say "Jinnie, it's the weekend" she goes mad (excited)!:D
She has also learned many subtle hand signals.
She does communicate with other dogs but rarely vocally - usually body language.
Reading the title reminded me of the Gary Larson "Far Side" cartoon about Ginger the dog:
"What We Say To Dogs/What Dogs Hear" and the first panel has a woman scolding her dog, saying "Bad dog, Ginger! That was not a nice thing to do, Ginger. I am so upset with you, Ginger." Second panel was identical, except the word-ballon now said "Blah blah blah Ginger! Blah blah blah Ginger! Blah blah Ginger!"
Reading the title reminded me of the Gary Larson "Far Side" cartoon about Ginger the dog:
"What We Say To Dogs/What Dogs Hear" and the first panel has a woman scolding her dog, saying "Bad dog, Ginger! That was not a nice thing to do, Ginger. I am so upset with you, Ginger." Second panel was identical, except the word-ballon now said "Blah blah blah Ginger! Blah blah blah Ginger! Blah blah Ginger!"
They did a similar thing in 'Frasier'. First with Martin talking to Eddie (the dog in case you don't know:mad:)) - then with Frasier and Niles talking about psychology to Martin (blah blah blah..... dad.... blah blah blah ....... dad? blah blah.....dad!" etc.
Of course dogs understand - although they can be selective.
The other week I went down to see friends of mine (including Freddie the Labrador). Normally I try to bring Freddie at least one bone (yeah, I'm popular). This time I had none.
In the pub I told him I had some bad news (sad eyes stright away) - I didn't have any bones. He put his paw on my knee (never done that before). He knew what was said.
I don't know if he was saying it was ok or expressing indignation.
Some of them can understand a great number of words and commands. Tests have shown they can even match 2D images of objects with the object itself - without any assistance.
They also have a fantastic sense of what sort of mood we are in, and how weak or strong we are.
I agree with this, I take my yorkies up to my nanny's every Saturday... she has always had dogs, but her last 2 passed away about 3 years ago. She has Vascular Dementia now and would not be able to take on anymore dogs, so our dogs are her little surrogates, and they often have a little holiday up there in the summer! When we are there though the dogs are feircly protective of her and almost guard her... we never get a look in, they automatically look to her to be leader of the pack.... I think that is because we naturally submit because it is 'nanny's house' the dogs sense that and look to her for command, and more often that not ignore what ever we say!
At our house they are completely different and do what ever we say!
I don't think my dogs would understand a conversation, but they deffinately understand 'words and commands', like 'Bed' or 'Bad' or 'Walkies' and 'going in the car' (they know that means they are going to see Nanny lol!
Comments
They also have a fantastic sense of what sort of mood we are in, and how weak or strong we are.
I walk to the pub a 6pm and he gets up and sits in front of me.:D:D
He can't seem to understand sit, stay, come or no.
That might just be selective though
I would agree with this....seems Baxter is a smartie!
He gets excited at "walkies" or "park"
and runs away and hides at "brush" or "bath"
Ball, stick, chocolate, pub, down, paw etc. The latest word she has "learned" is weekend. When I walk in from work on a Friday I say "Jinnie, it's the weekend" she goes mad (excited)!:D
She has also learned many subtle hand signals.
She does communicate with other dogs but rarely vocally - usually body language.
She regularly has "words" with postie.
"What We Say To Dogs/What Dogs Hear" and the first panel has a woman scolding her dog, saying "Bad dog, Ginger! That was not a nice thing to do, Ginger. I am so upset with you, Ginger." Second panel was identical, except the word-ballon now said "Blah blah blah Ginger! Blah blah blah Ginger! Blah blah Ginger!"
They did a similar thing in 'Frasier'. First with Martin talking to Eddie (the dog in case you don't know:mad:)) - then with Frasier and Niles talking about psychology to Martin (blah blah blah..... dad.... blah blah blah ....... dad? blah blah.....dad!" etc.
Of course dogs understand - although they can be selective.
The other week I went down to see friends of mine (including Freddie the Labrador). Normally I try to bring Freddie at least one bone (yeah, I'm popular). This time I had none.
In the pub I told him I had some bad news (sad eyes stright away) - I didn't have any bones. He put his paw on my knee (never done that before). He knew what was said.
I don't know if he was saying it was ok or expressing indignation.
He's a kindly chap so I presume the former.
I agree with this, I take my yorkies up to my nanny's every Saturday... she has always had dogs, but her last 2 passed away about 3 years ago. She has Vascular Dementia now and would not be able to take on anymore dogs, so our dogs are her little surrogates, and they often have a little holiday up there in the summer! When we are there though the dogs are feircly protective of her and almost guard her... we never get a look in, they automatically look to her to be leader of the pack.... I think that is because we naturally submit because it is 'nanny's house' the dogs sense that and look to her for command, and more often that not ignore what ever we say!
At our house they are completely different and do what ever we say!
I don't think my dogs would understand a conversation, but they deffinately understand 'words and commands', like 'Bed' or 'Bad' or 'Walkies' and 'going in the car' (they know that means they are going to see Nanny lol!
True my OH gets home from work about 5.30 and around 5.15 the dogs both sit on the stairs looking out for him.