Do dogs understand our language?

Answer 1

Only after we teach them. They learn, for instance, that "sit" means sit when a human makes the sound "sit" just before the dog sits. Then, as soon as the dog sits, he gets a reward. Soon the dog has learned to associate this sound, Sit, with the act of sitting.

You can just as easily teach your dog to sit, or down, or rollover using the names of vegetables. My know to jump up into their crates or the car when I tell them "Cantalope". Our command for back up is "Rattler".

We have the bigger brains. It is easier for us to learn doggie language (which is body language) than it is for dogs to learn human. However, they do understand tone of voice and some human body language. Read Dr. Patricia McConnell's new book: FOR THE LOVE OF A DOG to find out more.

Answer 2

Language is more than words. Grammar and syntax are a part of it too, and I don't know of any evidence that suggests that dogs (or even chimps) are able to grasp those concepts. Dogs have the capacity to recognize a limited number of words. I'm not sure what the consensus is among people who study animal behavior, but the reaction dogs have to words may no different the reaction they have to other audio cues; for example, I notice that with my own dogs, they will sometimes get a little excited when I say the word "out," because they think I'm going to take them out on a walk. They get a lot more excited, however, when they hear the clinking of a chain leash, or see me actually pick up the leash. We wouldn't normally call the former example an understanding of language, but instead a conditioned response or a simple mental association.

Answer 3

Dogs can understand some of our language or else they wouldn't be able to do tricks. My oldest dog knows sit, shake, good food, poison, and he used to know roll over but he got hit by a car in the leg so he just twirls around in a circle for that one. It's so funny because when we eat at the table, he sits waiting for a bite and we just say poison and he knows he's not supposed to eat it!

Answer 4

All animals learn from association(including humans), so in a sense dogs do understand our language. If you repeat something often enough such as walk and then take them out they come to associate walk as going out. Therefore they understand what that word implies and that is all language is about(communication).

Answer 5

Dogs only understand parts of our language that we teach them. They can learn it but do not know it on their own. They understand our emotions very well. They may not have a deep understanding but they do know how we feel and can act in such a manner. I have a Lab that knows exactly how I am feeling and his moods change with mine.

Answer 6

yes dogs can understand our language,
but dogs can not think,
yes they can not think, they go by instink
they no our language by memory
so if you are trying to teach your dog our language repeat the same thing over and over again so they memorize what you are trying to teach them.

Answer 7

Well, It´s a good question.
But I think that they can figure out just what you are "telling them" by the tone of your voice, maybe they just can distinct when you are mad at him or you are glad for what he´ve done....

And the most incredible is that they can tell if you are sad or happy, they know your feeligs whitout listen to you...

Answer 8

of course they do or how else will they know when they call their name.Or when you call them for them to eat