I think that is incorrect, FK. We want our dogs to obey by recognizing the command. We can euphemistically say that the dog "understands" but that is the fallacy of anthropomorphizing our pets as well.
It's simply Pavlovian reflex "learning" (actually recognition). You have the bell and you have the food. Bell becomes a "word" for food. Even flatworms learn, FK. You can train them with light. I don't think we would ever imply that our flatworms (if you have such "pets") somehow "understand" our flashlight signals
I think that is incorrect, FK. We want our dogs to obey by recognizing the command. We can euphemistically say that the dog "understands" but that is the fallacy of anthropomorphizing our pets as well.
No, I think a dog can understand "if I do this then I get a yummy treat or a pat on the head which I like". That's not too complicated for them, and it IS understanding. Dogs don't obey commands for no reason, at least at first. And just from personal experience our dog treats every individual family member differently, based on his perceived station for us. I am the "king", etc. That HAS to involve some understanding.