Show Notes
Can dogs understand humans even if they can’t speak our language? As a dog trainer, I have met thousands of dog owners whose eyes yearn to be told that yes, dogs can understand humans. Dogs don’t speak English, so it’s always a question of whether dogs can truly understand the hugs, or the “I love you!” expressions. Here’s the good news: YES, they understand us! But dogs understand humans differently. It’s amazing. But this beautiful realization also comes with a big responsibility. Read on to learn more. Key Takeaways: Dogs do not have an automatic understanding of the human language, but they use observation to decipher what we mean. Can dogs understand humans? Our pets have an innate ability to sense and take on energy. As dog owners, we are the ones that are always with our dogs. Because they take on energy, we have to also make sure we keep our emotions and energies in check. LEARN HOW DOGS UNDERSTAND HUMANS WITH THE DOG CALMING CODE™️ Table of Contents: Can Dogs Understand Humans: The Story of Buster Can Dogs Understand Humans: Can Dogs Understand English? Do Dogs Understand Affection, Hugs, and Kisses from Humans? Can Dogs Understand Humans: How Dogs Feel Their Owners’ Happiness, Sadness, Grief, Fear Do Dogs See Us as Leaders or Parents? 8 Things to Do to Help Dogs with Their Emotional Health Can Dogs Understand Humans: Yes, They Do. All The More Reason To Connect and Communicate With Them In a Healthy, Healing Way
Can Dogs Understand Humans: The Story of Buster Buster's story holds a golden lesson because it vividly illustrates the incredible understanding and emotional connection dogs have with their humans. (Watch the video below for Buster’s story.)
It also is a great story to answer the question “Can dogs understand humans?” In this particular case, Buster's owner was enduring a tremendously difficult period in her marriage. She confided in me about the mistreatment she and her dog endured at the hands of her husband. Throughout the prolonged ordeal, Buster was a silent witness, absorbing all the negative energy and emotions swirling around him. But one day, when his owner finally decided that enough was enough and it was time to walk away, Buster seized the opportunity to convey a powerful message to her husband. In a deliberate move, Buster headed toward the area where the husband was engrossed in watching something on the TV. LEARN HOW DOGS COMMUNICATE WITH HUMANS WITH THE DOG CALMING CODE With a determined gaze, he positioned himself directly in front of the screen and, to everyone's surprise, left a sizable poo behind. Now, I can only speculate, but it seems clear that Buster's gesture was his way of declaring, "We're finished here. This is my parting gift." Throughout the difficult journey, he had been attentively observing everything, and this was his final act to communicate his unwavering support for his owner and his disapproval of the husband's actions. Buster's memorable action serves as a powerful reminder of the depth of understanding and empathy that dogs possess. They have an uncanny ability to perceive and respond to our emotions, even in the most challenging circumstances. In this case, Buster's poignant message conveyed not only his loyalty but also his unwavering support for his owner, leaving an indelible mark on their shared journey. Can Dogs Understand Humans: Can Dogs Understand English? Whenever I tell people about the story of Buster, I’m often asked: “So, Doggy Dan, does it mean that dogs understand our language?” Apart from the question of whether dogs can understand humans, I’m also frequently asked if dogs get the English language. Or just about any other language! A quick answer is this: no. Understanding human language for dogs isn’t a natural talent, but instead a skill developed by constant observation. How Dogs Understand Words Dogs are amazing with familiarizing with words, including intonations and tone. The understanding of dogs is shaped n
More from Doggy Dan Podcast Show
Walking your dog is a crucial part of raising and training them; thus, knowing the two types of dog walks can make a HUGE difference to your training experience. "Doggy Dan, is there more than just one way to do dog walks?" Yes… and my goal is to help dog owners tap into the power of switching walking styles to make the most out of dog walks. In this blog, I will talk about the two types of dog walks, why you need to know both, and how to know which type to use best. Read on to learn more. The Two Types of Dog Walks: Why You Need More Than Just One Type of Walk All walk and no play makes your dog a very irritable and restless pet. A common misconception among dog owners regarding walking dogs is that there's only one walking style to follow from start to finish. As a dog trainer who has helped dogs and their owners make walks effective while having fun, I know that sticking to one walking style can make your time outdoors an absolute struggle! Because let's be honest: our dogs are playful, and the outdoors is the perfect setting for unleashing their love for fun! Expecting them to follow one style of walking (and nothing else!) sets you and your dog up for frustration! So, what do you do to make outdoor walks more effective? Here are the two types of dog walks you should follow. The Structured Walk The first dog-walking style is the “structured walk”. Even though it is not THE ONLY walk you can do, it is undoubtedly the most important walk you should master. Most dog owners feel this type of walk is the gold standard, the only way to do things. (More on this later.) During the structured walk, your dog walks with a leash, and you absolutely are in control of the entire walk. You give commands, you decide what your dog can and can't do, and your dog is expected to follow your charge. This is the walking style that tells your dog, "I am in charge of the walk. I make the decisions. You listen to my commands." When you engage in a structured walk, you drive the entire walk, and your dog has to follow YOUR charge. The Social Walk Now, this walking style is what your dog loves! The walk becomes social when your dog can roam free and do what they want for a time. The walk doesn't have a structure, and dogs are more accessible to sniff posts, or check out areas they want to see. Compared to The Structured Walk, this more relaxed option allows your dog to really have fun and socialize! Two Types of Dog Walks: What the Structured Walk Teaches Your Dog Walking your dog the structured way sends them this important message: you're in charge of the walk, not them. The Structured Walk is crucial because it can solve typical dog walking problems such as leash pulling, aggression, overexcitement, and outdoor anxiety. Sure, you will be giving your dog the freedom to roam around and freely explore, but before you do that, your dog must understand you make the calls. And it is during the structured walks that your dog firmly gets the message that makes them say, "Ahh, I should listen to my owner's commands before I do anything during the walk." I actually talk more about The Structured Walk in my blog on the best way to walk dogs, the fifth in my Five Golden Rules series. In a nutshell, The Structured walk is critical because it teaches your dog they're not in charge. And when your dog knows they don't make the calls, they relax, they become less aggressive, and they come to your call (which is an absolute need if you're going to switch to The Social Walk). What the Social Walk Teaches Your Dog The Social Walk is about having fun! Here's the truth: we can't expect our dogs to spend the entire 30 minutes of their time outdoors just following a structured walk. They're already outdoors; they need to explore, run, sniff, and play. The social walk allows your dog to enjoy a little fun and downtime during your walk. Which Should You Do With Your Dog: How to Know Which Walk to Choose So, how do you know which walk to choose between the type
When dog owners come to me for help on how to stop leash pulling, I feel for them, especially when I hear the frustration in their voices. It's understandable why having a dog pulling the leash can be such a pain! If all you want is to enjoy a quiet, peaceful walk with your dog, the constant struggle for control can be exhausting. And most of the time, the leash pulling happens at the start of the walk, making you wonder, "Is going out for a walk even worth it?" Why do dogs do this? Why is there even a power struggle? And should you persist? In this blog, I will talk about my biggest theory of why dogs pull the leash at the start of every walk… and what you can do to change it. Read on to learn more. Key Takeaways: Understand the Instincts: Dogs pull on the leash due to instincts derived from their wolf ancestors, seeing walks as a time for hunting and leading. They will naturally take the Alpha role if they don't sense a leader, hence the pulling. Be the Alpha Leader: To stop leash pulling, you must establish yourself as the leader in all aspects of your dog's life, not just during walks. This means setting boundaries, giving consistent consequences for pulling, and showing calm, assertive energy. Prepare and React Appropriately: How you start the walk sets the tone. Go out first, decide when to walk, and be ready with calm responses to pulling, like pauses or changing direction. Letting your dog lead or not giving consequences encourages pulling. Stop Leash Pulling: Understanding Why Dogs Pull the Leash Right Before You Start Your Walk You walk to the door; your is already pulling on the leash. You step outside down the stairs, and your dog pulls and pulls as if telling you to "Hurry up!" Your time outdoors is all about having to regain control of the leash. If you've experienced the things I mentioned above, you get how challenging it is to have a dog who wants to take charge of the walk from start to finish. But why do dogs pull the leash at the start of every walk? Let me answer that using dog psychology. You see, our dogs have the DNA of a wolf — 99.98%, to be exact. Why is this significant? Because how your dog acts can be connected to how wolves act in the wild. For the wolves, everything is about survival. When they head outdoors, a walk is not just a walk; it's all about hunting for food. The most interesting thing about wolves is they don't push through with their walk until the Alpha — the pack leader — steps in to lead the way, signals "Let's go!" and goes on to make all the big decisions. Even though our dogs have become more domesticated than their ancestors, they still think like wolves. Someone has to lead, someone has to decide, someone has to be followed, someone has to call the BIG shots. FACT: If your dog doesn't feel like an Alpha is in charge, they will take over. Why? Because dogs, by nature, will always look for the leader. If that isn't filled, they immediately have to assume the role. It’s hardwired into the DNA. And leaders lead…thus, your dog is out front and there is endless leash pulling, especially at the start of every walk. Have you ever observed your dog becoming more in tune whenever the walk happens? They're gearing up to make the big decisions! So… what can you do? To Stop Leash Pulling, You Have to Know That Control Matters to Dogs Control is a powerful concept in dog psychology! Why? Because your dog knows control is essential for survival. The Alpha is their protector! The Alpha tells them how to survive the wild and find food. Your dog pulling the leash shows they have taken the role of the Alpha. Their pulling sends the message, "I'm making the big decisions now. I will tell you what to do!" So when your dog pulls the lead, they aren't deliberately disobeying you or getting on your nerves. They pull the lead because they feel they're the pack leader, and they need to make every crucial decision to make the walk successful because that's what pack leaders do. 5 Things You C
Seeing dog owners letting their dogs run wild when the car door opens is quite a familiar scene. It’s adorable at face value… but it’s a tricky if you want to have calm walks with dogs. “Doggy Dan, do you mean I also have to keep an eye on how my dogs exit the car so I can have peace while I walk outdoors with them?” Yes, you’re right. All your problems with leash pulling, aggression, overexcitement, and yes, even protectiveness will be reduced by simply ensuring you take control WAY BEFORE your dog steps out of the car. Key Takeaways: Control Starts with the Car Exit: The way dogs exit the car sets the tone for the walk. Controlling this aspect ensures a more manageable and enjoyable outdoor experience. Calmness is Key: Encouraging calm behavior from the start, such as opening the car door calmly and giving clear commands, can significantly influence your dog's energy and responsiveness during the walk. Establishing Leadership: Teaching dogs to exit cars calmly reinforces the idea that you are in control. This understanding helps in reducing undesirable behaviors like leash pulling and overexcitement, leading to more peaceful and enjoyable walks. LEARN HOW TO WALK YOUR DOG THE RIGHT WAY WITH DOGGY DAN GOLDEN RULE #5! Table of Contents A Quick Recap of Doggy Dan Rule #5: How You Can Control the Walk The Way Dogs Exit Cars Influences How Your Walks Will Go How to Help Dogs Exit Calmly What Happens When You Help Your Dogs Calmly Exit Cars Learn More About How You Can Take Charge of Your Dog's Walks with the Dog Calming Code
If I asked you to write down at least three dog-walking problems, I am sure I’d find leash pulling and misbehaving somewhere on that list. Why? Because almost 80% of those who come to me for help on walking their dog have those issues. And here’s the truth: the solution is fairly simple. The problem starts when dog owners dismiss their dog's little quirks and defiance during walks as nothing serious… until they are. Fortunately, you can flip the switch by doing one simple thing: really making your dog see you’re in charge. How? Read on to learn more. Key Takeaways Leash pulling, barking, and overexcitement during dog walks often stem from a common root: your dog believes it's in charge. If you take charge, your dog will start to relax. Thus, your walks will be more calmer, controlled, smooth. Gentle gestures the walk like calmly pausing to tell your dog they’re not the one in charge can help you retain control from start to finish. LEARN HOW TO WALK YOUR DOG THE RIGHT WAY WITH DOGGY DAN GOLDEN RULE #5! Table of Contents Stop Dog-walking Problems By Taking Control of the Walk Stop Dog-Walking Problems: What Happens When You Take Control of the Walk with Dogs Stop Dog-Walking Problems By Taking Charge… Not Only On Walks. The Dog Calming Code Will Help You!