Most of us pet lovers will agree heartily with the study's conclusions. I've had dogs living with me for my entire life except when I was in the service. Some were smarter than others but all responded and minded me speaking to them in a calm conversational voice. They understand the meaning of a large number of words. Of course, my current French Bulldog mix seems the smartest.
My cat understands me very well. He just chooses to ignore me.
Talking Dogs,really ?
Hey Pooch,
How about the Lotto Numbers ?
Who’s a good Dog? Yeah!
Used to have a little yorkie. No matter how I said ‘bath’, he would growl and bare his teeth. Hated baths.
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I have been casually experimenting with my dogs’ language abilities for the past 12 years. I have taught them some specific commands of course, but I also speak natural language around them and watch to see how much they might pick up on their own. We are constantly having to use new words or spell certain activities or foods to avoid excitement. My wife and I have to be cryptic around the dogs to keep a secret. They learn real fast. Intonation may help but isn’t an absolute requirement. I can whisper in the next room and be understood. I can string together familiar words and they understand a new context. I once said “Go tell Junior to let you out”. The dog went to my sons room and woofed. I never taught that to the dog. My dogs are Aussies.
My dog listens to trump intently when I point to him talking on TV.
When I point to Hillary she barks.
Hillary sounds angry and mean to my dog.
(Smart dog)