What Are You Saying?

We all talk to our dogs. A lot. Whether it’s a casual “good morning,” a heartfelt “I love you,” or a frustrated “why did you do that?”, our dogs hear us—and they try their best to figure out what we mean.

The truth is, dogs don’t understand words the way we do. They’re masters of reading tone, body language, and patterns. When you say “walk,” your dog might bounce with excitement, not because they speak English, but because they’ve learned that particular sound is followed by their favorite activity.

Dogs Listen Beyond Words

Dogs tune in to:

• Tone of voice: A cheerful tone makes tails wag. A stern tone signals something serious.

• Body language: Your stance, gestures, and even eye contact help your dog interpret what’s going on.

• Consistency: If your dog can sometimes jump on you but is not allowed to jump on a small child, your dog may get confused.

How to Be Clearer with Your Dog

1. Keep cues consistent – Pick a word or phrase for each behavior and stick with it.

2. Pair words with actions – Dogs learn best when words are tied to predictable outcomes.

3. Watch your body language – If you lean forward with stiff posture while saying “come,” your dog may read that as pressure rather than an invitation.

4. Reward understanding – Praise, play, or treats reinforce that your dog interpreted you correctly.

Communication is a Two-Way Street

The fun part? Dogs talk back. Not with words, but with signals: wagging tails, perked ears, shifting weight, or even subtle lip licks. The more you tune in to their language, the stronger your bond becomes.

At the end of the day, when you ask yourself, “Does my dog really understand me?”—the answer is yes. Maybe not every word, but certainly your intent, your emotions, and most importantly, your love.