Angela Tague
|January 03, 2023
I'll be back soon!
You're such a good doggo!
Do phrases like these slip out of your mouth often? If so, you're not alone, as most dog parents talk to their dogs. But does your furry companion understand what you're saying? It's a good question that researchers — and pet lovers alike — often explore. Let's learn how to talk to dogs in a way they can understand, the best way to communicate and the physical cues to watch for in a dog that indicate they are, indeed, listening.
Yes! Research published in Animal Cognition found that both puppies and adult dogs are attentive to the high-pitch voice we use with babies and the more even-toned language used with adults. However, dogs do seem to have a slight preference for the child-like talk we often engage them with. All words are heard! But, like children, that doesn't always mean your dog is going to be interested in what you have to say.
So, what do dogs want to hear? When the sentences contain "dog-relevant words" (think "treat," "walk," "go outside" or "car ride"), you can harness your pet's attention. This curiosity, in turn, strengthens the bond between you and your pet.
To get your dog to listen, try combining a child-like tone with words your dog likes to hear and use your hands to gesture toward what you're talking about.
Let's put this idea to the test. Use the classic sandwich method by offering praise or a treat to get your dog's attention, elicit a response and, finally, praise them.
Dogs primarily communicate nonverbally, according to the Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. Learning how to read these cues helps us understand their reactions to our words. The School explains five key types of communication from dogs:
If your dog doesn't make eye contact, exhibit any body language or walks away, they're not listening. If this happens repeatedly, contact your veterinarian to conduct a hearing test to be sure your dog isn't experiencing hearing loss.
Dogs love to hear you chat. If you listen and watch your dog closely, you can determine what your dog thinks of your words.
Relaxed or aroused responses are always a plus, but as a savvy pet parent, reading the other signs is important to keep you, your pet and others around you safe. So, chat with your dog! See how many tail wags you can get by talking about favorite pastimes, whether it's car rides or trail hikes. Your pet is listening!
Angela Tague is a pet mom and writer living in the Midwest. When she's not making a mess in the kitchen, exploring nature trails with her dog, or attending a yoga workshop, she's writing full-time for multiple lifestyle and technology brands. You can find her on Twitter and LinkedIn @AngelaTague.
For the faster metabolism of Small & Mini dogs
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Chicken & barley entree with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Advanced nutrition to support hip & joint health from day 1
Chicken & Rice Stew with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet dry dog food
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Delicious braised beef paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Advanced nutrition to support hip & joint health from day one
Fewer calories for less active dogs
Low calories & L-Carnitine help promote ideal body weight, support healthy mobility & maintain heart function
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health, tailored for unique needs of Small and Mini puppies
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small Paws 7+ dry dog food
Turkey & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Supports lean muscle, for dogs who prefer smaller kibble
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Learn how to read your puppy's body language to better understand his wants and needs and provide him with the best care possible.
Discover the different nutrient requirements for your dog through each of his lifestages and how you can keep him happy, healthy and fit to play.
Discover whether you might have a spoiled dog on your hands and learn alternative ways to show your pup that you love them.
Ensure that you're meeting all of your new puppy's needs by learning typical puppy behaviors in the home.
Learn the underlying reasons why your dog is vomiting, helping you understand when to be concerned that a larger health issue is at play.
You're not the only pet parent out there wondering, "Does My Dog Smell Like Corn Chips?" Learn why this is such a common smell your pup might give off.
Trips to the vet can be a challenge for dog owners. Read these tips to have a better vet visit for your dog, including transporting the dog with a carrier.
Learn about snake bites on dogs, including clinical symptoms to look for, what to do if you think your dog was bitten, and treatment & prevention options.
Wonder what your dog is thinking about? Learn about the way your dog's brain processes information compared to a human & what your intonation means to him.
Choosing the right food for your puppy is a challenging task, and a very important one. Learn ,more about breed specific dog foods.
Barking is a normal behavior for most dogs, so you might be concerned if your dog isn't barking. Learn some causes why dogs don't bark.
Get helpful advice on basic care requirements to keep your aging dog healthy and happy in his golden years.
Learn about the dog park rules that make for a fun time at the park. Park outings are a fun way to socialize with your dog, but safety comes first.
Learn what to do if your dog gets sprayed by a skunk, including determining where they were sprayed and tips for getting the skunk smell off of your dog.
Discover what to do if your dog ate soap, including the warning signs to look out for and when to bring them to the veterinarian.
Find out how to help your dog get over his fear of thunder by learning what to do and not do during thunderstorms.
Is your dog scared of vet appointments? Learn tips for calming his anxiety and taking the stress out of his trip to the veterinarian.
My Dog Ate Raw Chicken: What Should I Do?
Learn why your dog can get overly excited about chasing his tail, including common reasons like boredom & parasites, and how you can help them stop.
Learn more about sled dogs and their role in today's wilderness treks, as well as their rich history helping to settle the Alaskan frontier.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
©2025 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. About our Ads. Cookie Consent Tool