do you think dogs know what we are saying?

Answer 1

Sure dogs know what we're saying and some are highly intelligent and smarter than some humans.I can say the word "OUTSIDE" and all my pets know tht word means to go out and potty.This is how they learn different words.

Answer 2

do they know what we are saying?

Sometimes! But the question (and moot point between scientists, behaviourists and doglovers) is what exactly are they understanding?

We know dogs have an acute sense of body language and inflections of tone. We know dogs can learn some words, it is said the german sheppard has the greatest retention of words, some can learn up to 200 spoken words. We know that dogs do not understand sentence structure and how the words relate to each other.

What we don't know, is when they understand us, what exactly they are reacting to.

For example, if we are watching tv, and I yawn and say "lets go to bed." and the dog gets up and goes to her bed what was her cue? The word "bed"? The yawn? Or perhaps something even more subtle. Perhaps as I was thinking, before I spoke, I glanced unconsciously toward the bedroom door, or perhaps the dog knows from his internal clock it is time for bed and my speaking moved him to action.

Answer 3

I really believe they do. I will tell my one dog to go to his room when he is being bad, I do not shut the door. After about 5 mins I tell him if he thinks he can be good he can come out I also am not looking at him when I tell him that, sometimes he will come out right away other times he will wait a few more mins. So yea I think they do.

Answer 4

Yes but they only understand one or two words together.not a full sentence. I.E They would know commands like sit or Stay Or Shop. So if u say Do want go to the Shops ? the main word there would be Shop not the other words used in that sentence.

Answer 5

Dogs learn to understand human language in a similiar way as do children around four years old. Just as with children, dogs' grasp of human language depends mostly upon two variables, one is how MUCH language they hear and the other is how meaningful the back and forth communication is. For example, children who grow up hearing lots of talking have a better grasp of language than do children who hear very little conversation. And, children who are paid attention to when they communicate and have appropriate responses, or, more meaningful and frequent ENGAGEMENTS of communication, tend to develop greater intelligence. It's the same with dogs. Their understanding of our language pivots upon not so much that they pay attention to what WE are saying when they are young, but instead, on how well WE pay attention to what THEY are trying to tell us. When we GET what they are trying to communicate and then put human language or words to the communication for them, they are delighted and encouraged to continue such meaningful engagements. For example, when a puppy tries to communicate that he wants to go outside, when we look in its eyes, smile and put words to it, "You want to go OUTSIDE?", they learn to connect those words with their meaning. Not until recently, though, did we understand if that simple connection was all that they understood. It's one thing to connect the word "OUTSIDE" with a human getting up and opening the door for them. But, it's quite another thing for the dog to APPLY that word "OUTSIDE" to some OTHER situation, such as being able to understand, "Your toy stays OUTSIDE". But, we're finding out that many species of animals most certainly DO apply language is new ways. It all depends upon how much effort we put into our pets. Oh. And dogs can not only count. Research is showing that they can do simple addition and subtraction. Birds seem to be rather mathematically gifted. As for cats. I believe with all my heart that they understand everything we say, but chose to ignore us for personality reasons and feelings of superiority. They are racists, so to say.

Answer 6

I think dogs understand most of what we are saying. People don't give them enough credit.

Answer 7

not sure about dogs knowing what we're saying. that's Wat i wander about my cat but dogs are trained with signals and will respond to if u look angry or yell they'll stop and when u give em attention they like u they understand you in a weird way i guess.

Answer 8

not usually lol people get so attatched they think their dogs can understand them...but they are just dogs.

Answer 9

Yea they learn a lot and can understand most of what we are saying, not 100% though.

Answer 10

My rottweiler would understand a lot of things I would say judging by her body language.