Dogs don't answer to general words, but when you speak their name, they know. Why?
2007-05-21 17:01:44 · 10 answers · asked by Jason T 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
repetition gives meaning. also, the tone of voice you use means a lot to them. thats why if you're angry or yelling (GET OVER HERE) you don't want to include their name (GET OVER HERE, FIDO!!!) because you don't want them associating bad feelings/emotions with their own name.
2007-05-21 17:05:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Well I have a border collie and a German Shepherd, they both know their names, but they also know the difference between a ball and a Frisbee.
The red ball from the green ball from the purple Frisbee, or the white one.
If the Shepherd won't give up the ball I look at the border collie and shrug my shoulders and say Holly wanna get the ball from Baby, and the next thing I know the ball is knocked from the shepherds mouth and in my hand..
Then there is wake my husband up please, get my son Rob out of bed please, and Are you chasing the kitty???
S;link into a corner.
Both dogs can count to ten at least, and every one knows the no open window barking rule first time every time..
Either you have a dumb dog, OR YOU have not spent enough time in conversation with your dog.
Because other wise you would not even have asked such a simplistic question as that. Of course they answer to general words, and sentences, and dirty looks when necessary!
2007-05-21 17:15:47 · answer #2 · answered by bugsie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Essentially a dog seems to recognize their name as an introduction to something about to happen.. if their experience is that when they hear their name good stuff happens... they will typically run to the person saying it. If their experience is inconsistent or bad, they will feel anxious or tense and avoid the person saying the name.
Most people can relate to that as we often only heard our mother use our middle name or full form of our name when response was mandatory! This didn't guarantee enthusiasm on our parts though!
2007-05-21 17:09:24 · answer #3 · answered by jklem 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Cause you repeat their name over and over again and they hear it in a good way.. You shouldn't use your dog's name when you are mad at him for something.. You should use his name only when he is good...
His name is something tho that you say all the time Fido Come Fido Sit, Fido No, I love you Fido... It's always included in everything, so he gets to know that you are calling him, Fido.. Plus lots of times when you say his name, you are looking him in the eye, making sure that he is paying attention. He knows you are serious so he pays better attention then when you are talking about the weather or other things..
2007-05-21 17:17:38 · answer #4 · answered by DP 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
they hear it frequently when and know its in reference to them.
In my puppies first puppy class, the very first thing we did was the "name game." Its basically getting your dog to aknowledge you when you say their name, once. Basically, you say the dogs name (ONE TIME ONLY), and if necessary, make noises, kissy sounds, or whatever, until they make eye contact with you. After the 2nd or 3rd try, almost all of the dogs were making eye contact with their owners the first time their name was said. (Obviously there was a treat rewarded when they made the eye contact.)
2007-05-21 17:31:43 · answer #5 · answered by Dr25 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because most words don't carry a history of reward when they're used. Also, the particular tone of voice that people use when they call their dogs is part of the picture, too. "Oh goody, that sound they make always means I get something great!" is the ideal response you'd like to see from a dog when you say their name.
2007-05-21 17:06:13 · answer #6 · answered by Misa M 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Because they are used to hear that name from you, and they know you are refering to it. It' s just the same as you know your own name!
2007-05-21 22:18:24 · answer #7 · answered by Scarlett 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They do not. They do not understand the word. But they understand the sound, tune and body language. By imprinting them different sounds and by conditioning, they will respond to it. That is why obedience command can be in any language, or body language, the well trained dog will respond to it. Same as the name.
2007-05-21 17:08:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋
kinda the same as humans. you hear someone calling you the same thing over and over and eventually it just clicks.
2007-05-21 17:12:53 · answer #9 · answered by Mrs. Martin 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Same as you know what your name is, somone told you lots.
2007-05-21 17:07:17 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋