Tag Archives: talking to dogs

Talk to your dog

Do you talk to your dog? We’d bet not as much as you used to, especially out on walks. Technology has eliminated one of the great benefits of having a dog. It used to be that if you walked around talking out loud, everyone thought you were crazy unless your dog was with you. Nowadays, most people seem to talk out loud, all the time, wherever they are. We assume they’re on the phone, but they could be crazy, since there’s no dog.

It’s actually a shame. When people can talk to anyone, anywhere, they’re less likely to talk to their dogs. And dogs are the best listeners you’ll ever meet. They think every word you utter is an absolute gem. And if you say something they recognize, you get the most adorable head tilt. If you say one of the magic words, like “out” or “cookie” or “car,” you may even get some quick zoomies around the house!

Dogs love conversation

One of the best dog-walking green spaces is close to our home. So we see people heading that way with their dogs all day every day. An informal survey clocked 18 out of 20 people staring at, or talking on, their phones rather than paying attention to their dogs. It made us sad.

Aside from how gratifying it is to have an audience that’s enthralled by every word you say, it’s good for your dog to be part of your conversation, too. Our training students are always amazed by how quickly, and how many, words their dogs learn to understand. More than just “sit” or “down,” dogs can build a large vocabulary, especially if you consistently talk to them. Many dogs know their toys’ names – does your dog fetch the right one when you ask “Where’s your ???”

Language buttons

A couple of years ago it was all over the news that somebody taught their dog to “talk” with recordable buttons she trained her dog to push. And pretty soon the dog was letting her know when he was hungry, when he wanted to play, if he wanted to go out, and so on. Now there’s a niche market for programmable dog buttons.

Picture of a fawn French Bulldog with mouth open, to illustrate talk to your dog.

We haven’t tried it yet ourselves. We’re pretty happy when our dogs listen to us. We’re not entirely sure how we’d like it if they could really talk back. Teddy (pictured) always had a lot to say, and we’re not sure he was always complimentary. We’ve never had bells on the door for our dogs to signal they want to go out. We’re afraid that the little monsters would be slapping those bells night and day – they love running around outside.

Comedian Elaine Boosler used to have a bit in her stand-up that went something like: “I used to wish my dog could talk. Then I realized what my dog would say: ‘Throw the ball.’ ‘Throw the ball.’ ‘Throw the ball.” I just threw the ball! ‘Throw it again,’ ‘throw it again,’ ‘throw it again.”

Talk to your dogs

It’s another thing entirely to want your dog to understand you. Just letting your dog know what’s going on is good for them. Dogs are great at reading the signs, they know that picking up your keys means you’re going out. If you didn’t reach for a leash, they know they’re not coming. If you do, chances are they come running over. And if you say “You wanna go out?” their excitement increases.

Dogs are wonderful companions. That ability shines when you talk to them. There’s nobody who listens more attentively. It’s really nice that somebody considers you a brilliant conversationalist. Take advantage of that devotion. It makes both of you happy.

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Dogs are listening

Paying attention all the time

Interpreting their human’s language, attitude, and emotion is a unique trait of dogs. Almost everyone with a dog can relate a story of how their dog never left their side when they were feeling low. Over the centuries of companionship, dogs have become adept at tuning into human society and making it their own.

Does it work both ways? Are you as skilled at reading your dog’s physical and mental well-being? There are the obvious signs that something’s not right, like not eating, restlessness, or even cries of pain.

Then there are the subtler cues. You can’t quite figure out what’s going on, but you know there’s something.

Have a routine

One of the ways to “check in” on your dog’s wellbeing is to have a regular grooming day routine. And while you’re brushing their teeth, fur, handling their ears, paws, etc. keep up a conversational patter and see how they respond. If they’re accustomed to you talking to them, it will relax them and let them know everything’s okay.

Just like us, dogs can have an off day, so if you notice an occasional something, it’s not a big deal as long as your dog bounces back quickly.

Your dog’s response to your voice is one of the most telling cues they can give you. If you use Yoda-voice to get the head-tilt from your dog, and they don’t do it, that’s a clue. Not that we’re saying we would do that kind of thing. Or at least not more than a couple times a week.

Talk to them! Dogs are listening

Dogs are great listeners. When nobody else cares what you have to say, they’re fascinated by every syllable. Be sure to use your power wisely – most dogs will think they’re in trouble if you raise your voice or start shouting. You may just be letting off steam, but they don’t know that.

If you do need to make some noise, be sure to hand your dog treats as you do it. That will let the dog know that whatever is making you unhappy, it’s not their fault.

Best audience, ever

Aside from giving you their complete attention when you talk, dogs provide a great excuse. Back in the days before cell phones, people talking to themselves were often labeled crazy. Unless they were with a dog. Now everybody talks to thin air. But dogs are much better listeners than most people.

In a love/hate dog relationship

Love/hate together

Our dogs are always happy to see us. No matter how incredibly crappy the day has been, the traffic was awful, nothing worked right, the weather sucked – your dog is delighted you’re home. He’s at the door, wiggling his little butt (no tail!). Just because you walked in – his life is complete. We don’t know anybody who gets that reaction from another person. Can you imagine walking in and your dog glances up from his phone, says “hey!” and goes back to his game?

On the other hand – we’re always on the clock. If our dogs aren’t with us, our time out is limited. Especially with a puppy in the house.

In the same vein – there’s no such thing as a spontaneous get-away. We can’t just pack up and take off for a weekend. Even though there are more and more places accepting dogs as guests – it’s not a “given.” Plans have to be made, packing has to be done. And the dogs require much more “stuff” than the people!

Good/bad

Dogs are up for whatever you want to do. Play time? Sure, let’s do it! Nap time? Absolutely, let’s chill! Cuddle and watch a movie? Especially if there’s popcorn! You never have to worry about being alone.

But you never get to be alone, either. Not even in the bathroom. We’ve drawn the line at the shower, but the dogs aren’t always happy about it. One even whines outside the door like a little baby – not mentioning Torque’s name here.

Tell us about it

The good thing is that dogs can’t talk. You can tell them anything – your deepest, darkest secrets. And they’ll never reveal a thing. And when you do talk to dogs, they listen. They get that adorable head tilt. We fall for it every time. And nobody thinks you’re crazy, talking out loud, if your dog is there.

The bad thing is that dogs can’t talk. Like when they don’t feel good and can’t tell you what’s wrong, where it hurts, or that something’s not right. We’re huge admirers of veterinarians. They have to be detectives – solving mysteries for clients who can’t reveal their secrets.

The biggest love/hate of all

We love that we get to experience the unconditional love of dogs. Their devotion to their people is unmatched.

We hate that it’s never long enough.

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