"Is It Possible For A Dog To Understand What People Are Saying?" Sparks A Heated Debate Online

by Sophia

11 Sep 2022

Well-trained dogs follow the commands of their owners. They sit, come, and stay whenever they are told to.

[ADVERTISEMENT]

Research may increase our appreciation of our dogs’ capacity to comprehend not only our words but also the manner in which we say them. Amazingly, dogs can understand human body language and intonation.

[ADVERTISEMENT]

Our dogs are more intelligent than merely "sit," "stay," and "walk." It has been established that whenever we address our devoted furry companions directly, they respond with their actions.

But can these doggos also understand what we are saying when we’re communicating with others? Have you ever wondered if they can understand what we say on the phone in private?

Do they understand what we talk about at the dinner table? Do our pets eavesdrop during our conversations?

Do we really need to argue outside in the yard? Are we deceiving ourselves?

What’s with the hidden conversations when our pets see practically everything we do? We might not have an answer to this, but one thing we’re sure of is that they won't repeat a word, even if they understand what we’re saying!

Users of Quora have come out in large numbers to share their thoughts on a similar question, so go ahead and check out their replies.

Here is the question which was thrown to the Quora community

[ADVERTISEMENT]

1. Meet Wookie

[ADVERTISEMENT]

2. A definite yes from this commenter

3. A positive answer

Yes. Some words my dog definitely understands; others I think are a matter of him intuiting tone or body language rather than the words themselves. In general, it’s very easy to communicate with him, and he trusts that we’ll understand him when he tries to communicate something. It makes it really easy to live with him.

4. Mastering the language

5. It is truly amazing

6. They understand the tone of the voice

With my dog, it was simple. He understood “let’s go for a walk,” “you’re staying home,” and “food?”

The first sentence would get him so excited. Obviously. He’d run around, back and forth, looking at me, probably letting me know he was going for a walk. Unless it was me going for a walk with him, then he would tell grandpa, and when he passed away, he didn’t really have anyone to let know about the exciting news since it was just the two of us at home at that time.

The second one wasn’t obviously as exciting to him. When my mum worked 4 AM to 4 PM shifts (or something like that; she went to work at night basically), our dog would run after her all excited, thinking he was going for a walk. Then my mum would break him the news: “No, you’re staying home right now and going for a walk with Berit,” and then he’d walk back to his napping spot.

For the third sentence, I’d just ask him if he was hungry and wanted food. For example, whenever he was acting as if he needed something, and it was mum and I together at home, he’d stare at me whenever he was a bit hungry.

Mentioning food to him got him excited, and then off we went to fill his bowl. He’d eat, and I’d go back to my business, and then he’d later come to my room, wag his tail, and leave again. Probably to let me know he enjoyed the meal.

The thing is, ever since my grandpa passed away, our dog came to me for food and always went to mum for walks. When grandpa was still alive, he’d lick his face whenever he wanted something. No matter what: food, walks (when my mum didn’t get the “I need a walk” look).