“Good”, “come”, “no”, “who is it?”, “let’s go”: if you talk to your dog, you are not alone. We all do it, every day. And sometimes we ask ourselves: does he really understand what I am saying? Or is he just interpreting the tone of my voice, my gestures, my expressions?
In fact, the truth is even more fascinating: the dog not only recognizes some words, but associates sounds, emotions and intentions with surprising intelligence. He does not understand us as a human would, of course. But he understands us in his own way . And this “way” is much deeper than we imagine.
Words matter, but not alone
According to several scientific studies, dogs can learn to recognize dozens (in some cases even hundreds) of words. Not only commands, but also names of objects, places and people.
However, what makes communication truly effective is not just the verbal content, but the emotional and bodily context in which that word is said.
A softly whispered “come here” doesn’t have the same effect as a nervously shouted “come here.” For a dog, voice and body language are inextricably linked to words. And if there’s inconsistency between the two… he trusts his body, not his voice.
What does he really understand?
Here are some things that dogs can actually understand, even if they don't have a vocabulary like ours:
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Tone of voice : happy, angry, anxious, playful. Dogs are true experts in deciphering intonation.
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Rhythm and musicality : Short, repetitive words are more easily memorized.
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Gestures associated with words : They often recognize the gesture before the word (think of “sit” said with the hand lowered).
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Routines : Context helps them predict what’s going to happen. If you say “let’s go out” every day and pick up the leash, that word takes on a clear meaning.
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Emotions : Dogs are deeply empathetic. They sense anxiety, joy, sadness. And they adapt.
Surprising cases
There are working and search dogs that know dozens of specific commands. But also family dogs that learn the names of toys (“ball”, “teddy bear”), rooms (“go to the kitchen”), or who know how to distinguish “dad” from “mom”.
Some studies (such as the one conducted on the now famous Border Collie Chaser ) demonstrate that a dog can learn up to 1000 words , if stimulated in the right way.
How to Talk “Better” to Your Dog
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Always use the same terms for the same actions (e.g. don't alternate "come" and "come on, let's go")
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Keep the tone consistent with what you want to convey
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Accompany your words with your body : the dog also reads your eyes, hands, posture
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Reward understanding with positive gestures: cuddles, praise, smiles
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Speak even in calm moments , not just to give orders: this strengthens the bond and stimulates the mind
A special dialogue
Your dog doesn't understand everything. But he understands you.
You don't need a thousand words to communicate, you just need to learn to listen to each other.
Every “dialogue” you build with him – made of voices, silences, gestures, habits – is an invisible thread that unites you day after day.
