Depending on the breed, like Max, dogs have an understanding of words as a 2 yr old human. Some can understand, remember up to 200 words. Voice reflextion adds a big part to dogs looking like they understand. You can say cookie with a high voice and get an excited dog. Say is mean and angry looking and you get a confused dog. I know Tango knows the family member names, some food names, names to eat, walk and ride. All the important things to her. My favorite comic explained what a dog really knows. It was Jon talking Oddie in Garfield. Jon said something like " Oddie what did you do? Oddie is a bad dog for going into the garabage. No dinner for you tonight Oddie." The balloon over Oddie's head read as he was wagging his tail, " Oddie, blah blah blah blah. Oddie blan blah bad dog blah blah blah blah blah. Blah dinner blah blah blah Oddie. I always remember this when talking to dogs. Cracks me up!!!

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Hi Julie - i do not understand computer talk so I do not know how to write to you- anyway I have lots of animal stories also to share with you. I have been writing them but have not tried to publish them yet. Still writing. I would like to buy your book but I could not figure out how. Emily

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It just proves that animals are really smart and can understand your actions and words. For instance, my Mother and I have a dog we call Peanut. Everytime one of us bring out a backpack, suitcase, etc, he becomes so excited like he knows we are about to go somewhere.

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At the Thai elephant conservation center in Lampang thailand, they retrain every mahout that comes through the gates. There the elephant is treated like a human child with mutual love, respect, forgiveness policy, positive reinforcement, allowed choices in their daily life - never negative treatment, - all this made ahuge impression on me but also the amount of love=bonding between the mahout and their assigned elephant. Mutual love, respect & human treatment between human & animal is key. I have years of rescue with dogs, cats, ferrats, birds - love, respect & human treatment is key. emily

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I wrote a little book as few years ago born out of my experiences with goats and other animals in a farm situation which changed my upbringing on so called 'dumb ' animals... so much so that I wanted to share it.. The book is ' If Only We Would Listen' by Julie Bristow and although it is out of print
( never a best seller sadly) there should be some copies around especially in the US where many were sold.. I still very much believe in what I wrote and am adding to it year by year

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For a bit more insight on animal understanding of humans.....read Derrick Jensen's book: A Language Older Than Words. I think, perhaps, our human-centered way keeps us from really connecting with our other relatives....that is our other-than-human relatives. They have much to teach and share. We have much to listen to.

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Anyone out there with a deep caring for dogs, will love this blog:
http://www.ecohearth.com/eco-blogs/el-rancho-de-chihuahua.html

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I understand the reasoning that intonation, facial expressions, etc., can convey meanings to dogs and other animals. However, my wife and I were discussing our terrier's dinner in normal tones in the living room when the dog came running from the bedroom to the area where he usually gets fed, expecting dinner. His Japanese listening ability is probably better than mine.

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Thanks, I do believe each animal is capable of understanding. Like humans, they need the interaction to learn. Great article.

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Just like us they understand only when they want to!!

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