Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Dogs Can Learn Words

According to a post from DogAge.com the average dog can learn about 165 spoken words. Recently, German scientists reported that a 9-year-old border collie named Rico actually knew the names of more than 200 objects -- similar to the vocabulary of a 3 1/2-year-old child. A dog's understanding of our language and inflection can enable responses ranging from singular to more elaborate.

So how do you expand your dog's vocabulary? According to Dr. Stanley Coren, author of The Intelligence of Dogs, you simply need to talk to your pet. "You should always use the same words for the same things and whenever you're doing any action which the dog is involved in, you tell the dog," he says. Dr. Coren also recommends using the dog's name before any command, and using the same commands every time.

A smarter dog is a happier dog. Learning can actually make your dog more
confident -- about himself and about his relationship with you. So helping your dog expand his mind will make you both feel better.

3 comments:

Jan said...

My dogs know more words than most people I see in the stores lately.

Matt said...

Yeah, and probably has better manners too!

Anonymous said...

Yes they definitely can understand a number of words and phrases. Rosie knows if I say "do you want to come in Rosie?" she doesn't have to obey and usually turns and walks further into the yard. But if I say "come on Rosie, you need to come in", or "I have to leave" she immediately comes in the house. They are much smarter than they get credit for.