how do dogs or cats no when their name is being called? or do they even no?

Question

it is just that they know someone is saying something or making a noise and they understand the tone of it, or do they actually end up knowing that if the specific name is called that its for them
and also i sorta want a professional or a dog psychologist (if they exist) to answer this, not just any random persons opinion

Answer 1

The dog learns it's name through association, repetition and reward. It can understand the word as distinct. Over time it is re-enforced that when they hear it and look/come positive things happen.

If you say "boo" and when he looks at you, you praise him then he will look at you every time you say boo.

If you say "boo" and when he looks at you, you scream and smack him he will run/ cower/ not look at you.

It is all about what you associate and most people associate the dogs name with good things.

My dog can differentiate between people, dogs, animals, objects by name. This is all training. He understands that if I say "Timber, sit" I want him to sit. If I say "Fido, sit", Timber will not sit. The name is more of a cue that something is going on for him, so pay attention.

Answer 2

I will admit I'm no professional but if you've read some of the articles about dogs and the language of dogs it is said the dog understands about 250 words of the English language. And I believe that number is growing. I also think it is tonal recognition and the rhythm of the syllables. While most is tonal values to a persons voice more often than not it's the actual words itself. A name is easy for a dog to learn. They are intellegent animals even though most believe otherwise.

Answer 3

They learn their names just as a child learns their names!!!Of course they know their name. If there are children in the house & you call for the children the dog does not come!! Call the dog by name & they do come!!!!

Answer 4

I think they do know their specific names and they know that it means them. I think they also know other people/pets names. My Min Pin knows when I call him and it doesn't matter what the tone is, he comes no matter how I say it. He also knows when I call my other pets or when I say lets go see *insert family members name* he runs to that person like he knows their name.

Answer 5

i think they respond the the actual sound of the name. My dog is named Kodi and it is the "E" sound at the end of his name that he responds too. I think if you name an animal name it with an vowel sound at the end.
But I am not an expert so i really don't know....

Answer 6

I don't know that's a really good question I am gonna give u a star

Answer 7

ive always thought they learn their name just like babies learn what their name is.

Answer 8

no