Dogs understand both vocabulary and intonation of human speech

Science Daily ^ | 8/29/2016 | American Association for the Advancement of Science

[JimSEA]

"Thus, dogs seem to understand both human words and intonation. The authors note that it is possible that selective forces during domestication could have supported the emergence of the brain structure underlying this capability in dogs, but, such rapid evolution of speech-related hemispheric asymmetries is unlikely."

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.

[afraidfortherepublic]

I had to spell in front of one of my Golden Retrievers. When she became deaf in her later years, she taught herself sign language. We didn’t even realize that she was deaf. One of my neighbors pointed it out to me.

[2ndDivisionVet]

Dogs prefer belly rubs over treats
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/3464120/posts

[IronJack]

Vocabulary? Nonsense. I can call our dogs the meanest names in the book and if I do it with a soft, teasing tone, they'll sit there like idiots wagging their tails and drooling on themselves. And I can flatter them to the ends of the earth, but if I do it in a harsh tone, they'll slink away and hide under the rug.

They understand intonation, but words? Huh uh.

[blackdog]

My red Heeler was stone deaf at about 11 years. No matter though because she knew my routines and her duties brilliantly. She was also a lip reader.

[Nachum]

Um... when I say the word “bath’ to my dog... she sometimes hides under the table. LOL

[blueunicorn6]

I was talking to a French Poodle, but he didn’t understand American.

So I says, “Oui! Oui!” and he peed on the couch.

[BigEdLB]

I have but one word to affirm this thread

RUFUS

[mountn man]

My Irish Setter will get funky ears once in awhile. I don't care what words you say around it or the tone or inflection in your voice. No matter how you try to fool her, when she hears the word medicine, she puts her head down and heads for the back of her cage.

If you talk about her ears bothering her, she again leaves. BUT when you ask her other things about her ears, like if she wants them rubbed, she comes near.

[Gamecock]

Our late dog, awake or asleep, would jump up and run to the door when she heard me say “grass?”.

[Donglalinger]

[Pearls Before Swine]

All dogs need is opposable paws.

I had some dogs a while back. I had a Lab-Golden mix who was a fetching genius, but I’m pretty sure he could distinguish about 3 dozen words, and of course he was sensitive to intonations. I used to try to experiment with toneless pronunciations of things like “walk” “outside” “cheese” and so forth. He knew.

Many people claim much wider vocabs for their dogs. I estimated that in a non-verbal way, he was about as smart as a toddler, obviously without the developmental potential.

[IllumiNaughtyByNature]

Well, i guess they know the answer to “who’s a good boy?” now don’t they? They always played along, I think, for entertainment value.

[eastforker]

BS, I can talk to my dog in regular tone i.e. commands, she understands all of them. She can also here me put on my socks and shoes from the other end of the house. She understands when I say she has to stay home and watch the house in a normal conversational tone of voice, she gets a sad face but she understands,

[blueunicorn6]

Good looking dog.

[Scott from the Left Coast]

My dogs know exactly what the word “chicken” means.

[Joe 6-pack]

WOOOF!

The Doggie Ping list is for FReepers who would like to be notified of threads relating to all things canid. If you would like to join the Doggie Ping Pack (or be unleashed from it), FReemail me.

[I want the USA back]

Dogs don’t understand words or language. As fellow mammals, they share enough of our life experience that they can easily tune in to our feelings and wishes.

[JBW1949]

All dogs are smarter than liberals...

[RegulatorCountry]

Water breeds like Labs and Goldens usually love a bath. Most hounds hate it. I took in a Walker Hound and she will do a spread eagle with all her might, to keep from going into the bathtub. She acts miserable the entire time she’s in there, but the minute she’s toweled off and out, she’s frisky and happy as a clam.