Understanding what dogs hear when we speak to them can be difficult. We often use baby talk, high-pitched and excited, to communicate with them. Some dogs even howl along if we sing in a high-pitched voice. These observations lead us to believe that dogs understand our words. However, when it comes to understanding the sounds of vowels and consonants, it’s unclear which sounds dogs are hearing and responding to. Scientists have found that dogs may be more responsive to certain consonants in their names. While it’s uncertain if dogs detect vowels, it’s likely that the adjacent consonant sound is the focus of their auditory perception.
Signs Your Dog is Responding to Sound
Dogs cannot use words like humans do, but they still communicate with us through their behavior and body language. By observing your dog’s body, posture, tail, ears, eyes, nose, and mouth, and considering the context, you can begin to understand your dog’s instinctive reactions. Being a good owner means developing the skills to communicate with your dog by observing and understanding their body language.
Dogs can have a range of reactions to sounds, from ignoring them to becoming agitated. When dogs are responsive to their owners, they have a relaxed and confident appearance. They have a loose stance with flat feet, a down tail, an open mouth with the tongue hanging loose, ears up but not forward, and a held high head.
If your dog is confused by the sounds or vocalizations you make, they will appear puzzled. They may tilt their head and wiggle their ears as they try to figure out what you want. Confused dogs may even start searching and pacing in an effort to understand your desired behavior.
Dogs respond to specific words with predictable reactions. They can learn their names and will respond by becoming alert. If you have a positive relationship with your dog, the sound of their name will summon them to come to you.
Dogs also respond to words that are trained as commands. The sounds that dogs react to are often related to their experiences as puppies. If a dog has not been exposed to certain sounds, loud or new sounds can be frightening. Fearful dogs may act anxious, become dependent on their owners, cry and bark for attention, hide, cower, shake, pant, and exhaust themselves with agitated pacing and barking. On the other hand, if a dog likes a particular sound, such as soft music, they may calm down and relax.
Body Language
Signs that your dog hears what you say include being alert, tilting their head, pacing, having ears up, and hanging their tongue. Other signs that your dog understands the sounds you make include coming when called, responding to commands, and hiding if they dislike what has been said.
The Science of Dogs Hearing
Scientists and trainers have studied how dogs respond to language. Researchers at Sussex University found that dogs understand words by testing how their brains process familiar commands without intonation or with jumbled words. They discovered that dogs’ left hemisphere is stimulated by words. However, the age of the dog can affect their responsiveness to the human voice. Puppies are highly responsive, while older adult dogs tend to ignore the voice.
There have also been investigations into dogs’ reactions to word parts. Canine experts have found that dogs are more responsive to hard consonant sounds than to soft consonant sounds. For example, the letters “g” and “c” have both hard and soft sounds. Dogs are more likely to remember and recognize their names if they have hard consonant sounds. However, evidence regarding dogs’ ability to hear vowels is limited. Dogs tend to prefer one-syllable words.
When naming your dog, experts suggest choosing a name with no more than two syllables. Dogs’ ability to hear vowels is likely only connected to whether the vowel is associated with a hard or soft consonant and a simple word. Even then, it may be the consonant and word that capture the dog’s attention.
Training Your Dog to Know Their Name
Once you’ve chosen a name for your pup, you’ll want to train them to recognize it. Positive reinforcement training is recommended, with brief, positive, and fun training sessions. Associate the sound of your dog’s name with something fabulous for them. Say their name while holding a treat, and when they react, say “yes” and give them the treat. Repeat this process over a few sessions until your dog starts recognizing that a treat follows when they hear their name.
Next, train your dog to recognize their name even when they’re not paying attention to you. With a leash on your dog, wait for them to be distracted and say their name. If they come to you, say “yes” and give them a treat. If they continue to ignore you, gently pull the leash to get their attention. When they look at you, say “yes” and give them the treat. Repeat this exercise multiple times each day.
Avoid using your dog’s name all the time, as it may lose its meaning if overused. Never call your dog and then punish them, as this will negatively associate their name with punishment.
“Understanding your dog’s response to sound is key to effective communication and training.”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Pay attention to your dog’s body language and behavior to understand their reactions and feelings. Observing their posture, tail, ears, eyes, nose, and mouth can help you communicate with your dog effectively.
2️⃣ Dogs can have specific responses to certain sounds and words. They can learn their names and respond when called. It’s important to use positive reinforcement training to associate their name with something positive and rewarding.
3️⃣ Dogs may have different reactions to sounds and words. Some sounds can be comforting and calming, while others can be frightening and agitating. It’s important to understand your dog’s individual preferences and sensitivities to create a positive and safe environment for them.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. How can I tell if my dog is hearing and understanding what I say?
– You can observe your dog’s body language, such as their posture, tail, ears, and mouth, to determine if they are responding to sounds or vocalizations.
2. What are some signs that my dog is confused by the sounds or words I use?
– A confused dog may tilt their head, wiggle their ears, and start searching or pacing in an effort to understand what you want.
3. How do dogs respond to their names and trained commands?
– Dogs can learn their names and will respond by becoming aroused. They can also be trained to respond to specific commands through positive reinforcement.
4. Do dogs understand different parts of speech, like vowels and consonants?
– While it’s unclear if dogs detect vowels, they are more responsive to some consonant sounds than others. Dogs are more likely to remember and recognize their names if they have hard consonant sounds.
5. How can I train my dog to recognize their name?
– Positive reinforcement training is recommended, where you associate the sound of the dog’s name with something fabulous, like a treat. Repeat the training sessions and gradually introduce distractions to test if the dog responds to their name.
