I dont no how to talk to my dog

@bunbun

I have had cat for over 19 years now and rescued a puppy and decided to keep her. She is about 7 months now and I dont feel like there is a connection between us. My cat and I have this 'Unspoken" connection but I dont have it with my puppy. She will plop herself down next to me and just sit there and stare at me. I dont no what to do when she does that. I talk to her but I dont think she understands or cares. This is hard to explain. I will post this in the hopes someone understand what I am talking about.

HI

I'd love to try to help, can you tell me a little more about the dog? What breed do you think it is? Can you post a pic for me? Do you do any kind of training with her? Do you walk her? Let me know and we can go from there. I'm looking forward to helping you.

@Michele68

@bunbun

I have had cat for over 19 years now and rescued a puppy and decided to keep her. She is about 7 months now and I dont feel like there is a connection between us. My cat and I have this 'Unspoken" connection but I dont have it with my puppy. She will plop herself down next to me and just sit there and stare at me. I dont no what to do when she does that. I talk to her but I dont think she understands or cares. This is hard to explain. I will post this in the hopes someone understand what I am talking about.

HI

I'd love to try to help, can you tell me a little more about the dog? What breed do you think it is? Can you post a pic for me? Do you do any kind of training with her? Do you walk her? Let me know and we can go from there. I'm looking forward to helping you.

A bond has to grow -- simply talk to her as if she's human.  She may not understand all the words, but she **will** understand the intent behind the words.  Eventually she **will** learn an extensive vocabulary if you continue to talk to her regularly.  

dogs are masters at reading your body language -- definitely they understand a smile, and a laugh -- even when you are laughing at them. But they also read us -- from our body stance, the tension in our muscles, and particularly in our hands when we touch them  -- they are better at that than we are.  They also read us scent-wise.  

Yes, they do -- we humans don't realize it but we release a particular scent array ... when we are worried, when we are asleep, when we are happy or nervous.  A dog doesn't just process scent thru their nose -- they use their Jacobsen's Organ extensively.  Like a snake has a Jacobsen's Organ in their tongue and they 'scent' the air -- a dogs JO is between the roof of their mouth and their nostrils -- it goes from the front of the snout all the way back to the skull -- it's essentially tissue that is only a couple of cells thick but it is hundreds of feet 'long' and it is accordion-pleated in that small area of their nose.  

When a dog lifts its head to sniff the air?? They are using the Jacobsen's Organ -- it augments their sense of smell hugely.

Just keep trying -- I keep up a running patter to my dogs ALL the time.  It's not stupid.  When the dog comes up to you expectantly, say "Hi there!  What do you want from me?" -- and then keep an open mind and watch them.

It may be a simple request for attention -- and if the dog comes up to you and politely sits and waits for your attention **reward that!!!**.  Smile -- reach out and pet them or ruffle the scruff of the neck.  (Don't pat on the top of the head -- that's generally not well-received and it can actually strain neck muscles).  

I have had dogs who would actually *answer* me -- they might look in the direction of the kitchen (dinner?  water?) .  One of my old guys would come up and sit next to me at my desk .... and typically he would sort of "huff"  and wait for me to look at him.  And then when he had my eye he would sometimes look ON my desk at a bottle of essential oil I keep there for when my own neck hurts.  he would look back and forth between the bottle and me as in "Getta clue Mom -- I NEED my back rubbed!!"  As soon as I picked up the bottle he would obligingly position his back under my hand "RIGHT THERE please!"

He was 17 1/2 when he began doing that.  I'd had him for over 17 of those years (I found him tied to a fire hydrant as a puppy).  They don't develop that level of communication early but they WILL learn and they will teach you.

You might want to get Dr. Stanley Coren's "How to Speak Dog" - one of the best books on human/dog communication ever written.

@calliecritturs

@Michele68

@bunbun

I have had cat for over 19 years now and rescued a puppy and decided to keep her. She is about 7 months now and I dont feel like there is a connection between us. My cat and I have this 'Unspoken" connection but I dont have it with my puppy. She will plop herself down next to me and just sit there and stare at me. I dont no what to do when she does that. I talk to her but I dont think she understands or cares. This is hard to explain. I will post this in the hopes someone understand what I am talking about.

HI

I'd love to try to help, can you tell me a little more about the dog? What breed do you think it is? Can you post a pic for me? Do you do any kind of training with her? Do you walk her? Let me know and we can go from there. I'm looking forward to helping you.

A bond has to grow -- simply talk to her as if she's human. She may not understand all the words, but she **will** understand the intent behind the words. Eventually she **will** learn an extensive vocabulary if you continue to talk to her regularly.

dogs are masters at reading your body language -- definitely they understand a smile, and a laugh -- even when you are laughing at them. But they also read us -- from our body stance, the tension in our muscles, and particularly in our hands when we touch them -- they are better at that than we are. They also read us scent-wise.

Yes, they do -- we humans don't realize it but we release a particular scent array ... when we are worried, when we are asleep, when we are happy or nervous. A dog doesn't just process scent thru their nose -- they use their Jacobsen's Organ extensively. Like a snake has a Jacobsen's Organ in their tongue and they 'scent' the air -- a dogs JO is between the roof of their mouth and their nostrils -- it goes from the front of the snout all the way back to the skull -- it's essentially tissue that is only a couple of cells thick but it is hundreds of feet 'long' and it is accordion-pleated in that small area of their nose.

When a dog lifts its head to sniff the air?? They are using the Jacobsen's Organ -- it augments their sense of smell hugely.

Just keep trying -- I keep up a running patter to my dogs ALL the time. It's not stupid. When the dog comes up to you expectantly, say "Hi there! What do you want from me?" -- and then keep an open mind and watch them.

It may be a simple request for attention -- and if the dog comes up to you and politely sits and waits for your attention **reward that!!!**. Smile -- reach out and pet them or ruffle the scruff of the neck. (Don't pat on the top of the head -- that's generally not well-received and it can actually strain neck muscles).

I have had dogs who would actually *answer* me -- they might look in the direction of the kitchen (dinner? water?) . One of my old guys would come up and sit next to me at my desk .... and typically he would sort of "huff" and wait for me to look at him. And then when he had my eye he would sometimes look ON my desk at a bottle of essential oil I keep there for when my own neck hurts. he would look back and forth between the bottle and me as in "Getta clue Mom -- I NEED my back rubbed!!" As soon as I picked up the bottle he would obligingly position his back under my hand "RIGHT THERE please!"

He was 17 1/2 when he began doing that. I'd had him for over 17 of those years (I found him tied to a fire hydrant as a puppy). They don't develop that level of communication early but they WILL learn and they will teach you.

You might want to get Dr. Stanley Coren's "How to Speak Dog" - one of the best books on human/dog communication ever written.

@bunbun

@calliecritturs

@Michele68

@bunbun

I have had cat for over 19 years now and rescued a puppy and decided to keep her. She is about 7 months now and I dont feel like there is a connection between us. My cat and I have this 'Unspoken" connection but I dont have it with my puppy. She will plop herself down next to me and just sit there and stare at me. I dont no what to do when she does that. I talk to her but I dont think she understands or cares. This is hard to explain. I will post this in the hopes someone understand what I am talking about.

HI

I'd love to try to help, can you tell me a little more about the dog? What breed do you think it is? Can you post a pic for me? Do you do any kind of training with her? Do you walk her? Let me know and we can go from there. I'm looking forward to helping you.

A bond has to grow -- simply talk to her as if she's human. She may not understand all the words, but she **will** understand the intent behind the words. Eventually she **will** learn an extensive vocabulary if you continue to talk to her regularly.

dogs are masters at reading your body language -- definitely they understand a smile, and a laugh -- even when you are laughing at them. But they also read us -- from our body stance, the tension in our muscles, and particularly in our hands when we touch them -- they are better at that than we are. They also read us scent-wise.

Yes, they do -- we humans don't realize it but we release a particular scent array ... when we are worried, when we are asleep, when we are happy or nervous. A dog doesn't just process scent thru their nose -- they use their Jacobsen's Organ extensively. Like a snake has a Jacobsen's Organ in their tongue and they 'scent' the air -- a dogs JO is between the roof of their mouth and their nostrils -- it goes from the front of the snout all the way back to the skull -- it's essentially tissue that is only a couple of cells thick but it is hundreds of feet 'long' and it is accordion-pleated in that small area of their nose.

When a dog lifts its head to sniff the air?? They are using the Jacobsen's Organ -- it augments their sense of smell hugely.

Just keep trying -- I keep up a running patter to my dogs ALL the time. It's not stupid. When the dog comes up to you expectantly, say "Hi there! What do you want from me?" -- and then keep an open mind and watch them.

It may be a simple request for attention -- and if the dog comes up to you and politely sits and waits for your attention **reward that!!!**. Smile -- reach out and pet them or ruffle the scruff of the neck. (Don't pat on the top of the head -- that's generally not well-received and it can actually strain neck muscles).

I have had dogs who would actually *answer* me -- they might look in the direction of the kitchen (dinner? water?) . One of my old guys would come up and sit next to me at my desk .... and typically he would sort of "huff" and wait for me to look at him. And then when he had my eye he would sometimes look ON my desk at a bottle of essential oil I keep there for when my own neck hurts. he would look back and forth between the bottle and me as in "Getta clue Mom -- I NEED my back rubbed!!" As soon as I picked up the bottle he would obligingly position his back under my hand "RIGHT THERE please!"

He was 17 1/2 when he began doing that. I'd had him for over 17 of those years (I found him tied to a fire hydrant as a puppy). They don't develop that level of communication early but they WILL learn and they will teach you.

You might want to get Dr. Stanley Coren's "How to Speak Dog" - one of the best books on human/dog communication ever written.

WOW! these 2 answers are awesome.  In answer to the 1st 1 my puppy is  part  Italian mini greyhound and part chihuahua . She is about  7  8  or 9 months old  and the only training she has is what I do. Sit, stay, no property ( so she knows not to go potty on others property) in, ( for we are going in the house now, no no, be nice (  because she plays rough with the cat)  and yes I do talk to her like she is a person and I felt silly doing that, thats why I asked this question. I do walk her.  She is like a sponge and soaks up words like a sponge, as long as you show her what the word means. My question was really more about me then my puppy as I was the 1 that was feeling inadequate and silly because I talk to her like I talk to my cat., and her head pivots from side to side as if to say " what on earth are you talking about"  When I scold her and say "bad" her tail starts to wag and she jumps all over the place as if she is making fun  of me, she does not take the words "bad girl"  seriously and I dont no how to show her that her behavior is not acceptable. I will not hit her, sorry but thats a no no for me and I dont feel like hitting an animal  accomplishes anything other then fear.  She loves my cat  but plays to hard with her  and I dont no how to teach her how to play with cats. My cat plays back by pretend hitting and my puppy gets more excited the more my cat hits her  until the play becomes aggressive, then the hissing and spitting starts and still the puppy does not understand that the cat is saying NO MORE!  SO these are the things that I am dealing with as of now. How to get her to understand "bad girl" is serious and the cat-dog interactions.  I  am happy and relieved    to no that I am not an idiot by talking to my dog about everything as I do my cat.

@bunbun

@bunbun

@calliecritturs

@Michele68

@bunbun

I have had cat for over 19 years now and rescued a puppy and decided to keep her. She is about 7 months now and I dont feel like there is a connection between us. My cat and I have this 'Unspoken" connection but I dont have it with my puppy. She will plop herself down next to me and just sit there and stare at me. I dont no what to do when she does that. I talk to her but I dont think she understands or cares. This is hard to explain. I will post this in the hopes someone understand what I am talking about.

HI

I'd love to try to help, can you tell me a little more about the dog? What breed do you think it is? Can you post a pic for me? Do you do any kind of training with her? Do you walk her? Let me know and we can go from there. I'm looking forward to helping you.

A bond has to grow -- simply talk to her as if she's human. She may not understand all the words, but she **will** understand the intent behind the words. Eventually she **will** learn an extensive vocabulary if you continue to talk to her regularly.

dogs are masters at reading your body language -- definitely they understand a smile, and a laugh -- even when you are laughing at them. But they also read us -- from our body stance, the tension in our muscles, and particularly in our hands when we touch them -- they are better at that than we are. They also read us scent-wise.

Yes, they do -- we humans don't realize it but we release a particular scent array ... when we are worried, when we are asleep, when we are happy or nervous. A dog doesn't just process scent thru their nose -- they use their Jacobsen's Organ extensively. Like a snake has a Jacobsen's Organ in their tongue and they 'scent' the air -- a dogs JO is between the roof of their mouth and their nostrils -- it goes from the front of the snout all the way back to the skull -- it's essentially tissue that is only a couple of cells thick but it is hundreds of feet 'long' and it is accordion-pleated in that small area of their nose.

When a dog lifts its head to sniff the air?? They are using the Jacobsen's Organ -- it augments their sense of smell hugely.

Just keep trying -- I keep up a running patter to my dogs ALL the time. It's not stupid. When the dog comes up to you expectantly, say "Hi there! What do you want from me?" -- and then keep an open mind and watch them.

It may be a simple request for attention -- and if the dog comes up to you and politely sits and waits for your attention **reward that!!!**. Smile -- reach out and pet them or ruffle the scruff of the neck. (Don't pat on the top of the head -- that's generally not well-received and it can actually strain neck muscles).

I have had dogs who would actually *answer* me -- they might look in the direction of the kitchen (dinner? water?) . One of my old guys would come up and sit next to me at my desk .... and typically he would sort of "huff" and wait for me to look at him. And then when he had my eye he would sometimes look ON my desk at a bottle of essential oil I keep there for when my own neck hurts. he would look back and forth between the bottle and me as in "Getta clue Mom -- I NEED my back rubbed!!" As soon as I picked up the bottle he would obligingly position his back under my hand "RIGHT THERE please!"

He was 17 1/2 when he began doing that. I'd had him for over 17 of those years (I found him tied to a fire hydrant as a puppy). They don't develop that level of communication early but they WILL learn and they will teach you.

You might want to get Dr. Stanley Coren's "How to Speak Dog" - one of the best books on human/dog communication ever written.

WOW! these 2 answers are awesome. In answer to the 1st 1 my puppy is part Italian mini greyhound and part chihuahua . She is about 7 8 or 9 months old and the only training she has is what I do. Sit, stay, no property ( so she knows not to go potty on others property) in, ( for we are going in the house now, no no, be nice ( because she plays rough with the cat) and yes I do talk to her like she is a person and I felt silly doing that, thats why I asked this question. I do walk her. She is like a sponge and soaks up words like a sponge, as long as you show her what the word means. My question was really more about me then my puppy as I was the 1 that was feeling inadequate and silly because I talk to her like I talk to my cat., and her head pivots from side to side as if to say " what on earth are you talking about" When I scold her and say "bad" her tail starts to wag and she jumps all over the place as if she is making fun of me, she does not take the words "bad girl" seriously and I dont no how to show her that her behavior is not acceptable. I will not hit her, sorry but thats a no no for me and I dont feel like hitting an animal accomplishes anything other then fear. She loves my cat but plays to hard with her and I dont no how to teach her how to play with cats. My cat plays back by pretend hitting and my puppy gets more excited the more my cat hits her until the play becomes aggressive, then the hissing and spitting starts and still the puppy does not understand that the cat is saying NO MORE! SO these are the things that I am dealing with as of now. How to get her to understand "bad girl" is serious and the cat-dog interactions. I am happy and relieved to no that I am not an idiot by talking to my dog about everything as I do my cat.

@bunbun

@bunbun

@bunbun

@calliecritturs

@Michele68

@bunbun

I have had cat for over 19 years now and rescued a puppy and decided to keep her. She is about 7 months now and I dont feel like there is a connection between us. My cat and I have this 'Unspoken" connection but I dont have it with my puppy. She will plop herself down next to me and just sit there and stare at me. I dont no what to do when she does that. I talk to her but I dont think she understands or cares. This is hard to explain. I will post this in the hopes someone understand what I am talking about.

HI

I'd love to try to help, can you tell me a little more about the dog? What breed do you think it is? Can you post a pic for me? Do you do any kind of training with her? Do you walk her? Let me know and we can go from there. I'm looking forward to helping you.

A bond has to grow -- simply talk to her as if she's human. She may not understand all the words, but she **will** understand the intent behind the words. Eventually she **will** learn an extensive vocabulary if you continue to talk to her regularly.

dogs are masters at reading your body language -- definitely they understand a smile, and a laugh -- even when you are laughing at them. But they also read us -- from our body stance, the tension in our muscles, and particularly in our hands when we touch them -- they are better at that than we are. They also read us scent-wise.

Yes, they do -- we humans don't realize it but we release a particular scent array ... when we are worried, when we are asleep, when we are happy or nervous. A dog doesn't just process scent thru their nose -- they use their Jacobsen's Organ extensively. Like a snake has a Jacobsen's Organ in their tongue and they 'scent' the air -- a dogs JO is between the roof of their mouth and their nostrils -- it goes from the front of the snout all the way back to the skull -- it's essentially tissue that is only a couple of cells thick but it is hundreds of feet 'long' and it is accordion-pleated in that small area of their nose.

When a dog lifts its head to sniff the air?? They are using the Jacobsen's Organ -- it augments their sense of smell hugely.

Just keep trying -- I keep up a running patter to my dogs ALL the time. It's not stupid. When the dog comes up to you expectantly, say "Hi there! What do you want from me?" -- and then keep an open mind and watch them.

It may be a simple request for attention -- and if the dog comes up to you and politely sits and waits for your attention **reward that!!!**. Smile -- reach out and pet them or ruffle the scruff of the neck. (Don't pat on the top of the head -- that's generally not well-received and it can actually strain neck muscles).

I have had dogs who would actually *answer* me -- they might look in the direction of the kitchen (dinner? water?) . One of my old guys would come up and sit next to me at my desk .... and typically he would sort of "huff" and wait for me to look at him. And then when he had my eye he would sometimes look ON my desk at a bottle of essential oil I keep there for when my own neck hurts. he would look back and forth between the bottle and me as in "Getta clue Mom -- I NEED my back rubbed!!" As soon as I picked up the bottle he would obligingly position his back under my hand "RIGHT THERE please!"

He was 17 1/2 when he began doing that. I'd had him for over 17 of those years (I found him tied to a fire hydrant as a puppy). They don't develop that level of communication early but they WILL learn and they will teach you.

You might want to get Dr. Stanley Coren's "How to Speak Dog" - one of the best books on human/dog communication ever written.

WOW! these 2 answers are awesome. In answer to the 1st 1 my puppy is part Italian mini greyhound and part chihuahua . She is about 7 8 or 9 months old and the only training she has is what I do. Sit, stay, no property ( so she knows not to go potty on others property) in, ( for we are going in the house now, no no, be nice ( because she plays rough with the cat) and yes I do talk to her like she is a person and I felt silly doing that, thats why I asked this question. I do walk her. She is like a sponge and soaks up words like a sponge, as long as you show her what the word means. My question was really more about me then my puppy as I was the 1 that was feeling inadequate and silly because I talk to her like I talk to my cat., and her head pivots from side to side as if to say " what on earth are you talking about" When I scold her and say "bad" her tail starts to wag and she jumps all over the place as if she is making fun of me, she does not take the words "bad girl" seriously and I dont no how to show her that her behavior is not acceptable. I will not hit her, sorry but thats a no no for me and I dont feel like hitting an animal accomplishes anything other then fear. She loves my cat but plays to hard with her and I dont no how to teach her how to play with cats. My cat plays back by pretend hitting and my puppy gets more excited the more my cat hits her until the play becomes aggressive, then the hissing and spitting starts and still the puppy does not understand that the cat is saying NO MORE! SO these are the things that I am dealing with as of now. How to get her to understand "bad girl" is serious and the cat-dog interactions. I am happy and relieved to no that I am not an idiot by talking to my dog about everything as I do my cat.

014.jpg

@bunbun

@bunbun

@bunbun

@bunbun

@calliecritturs

@Michele68

@bunbun

I have had cat for over 19 years now and rescued a puppy and decided to keep her. She is about 7 months now and I dont feel like there is a connection between us. My cat and I have this 'Unspoken" connection but I dont have it with my puppy. She will plop herself down next to me and just sit there and stare at me. I dont no what to do when she does that. I talk to her but I dont think she understands or cares. This is hard to explain. I will post this in the hopes someone understand what I am talking about.

HI

I'd love to try to help, can you tell me a little more about the dog? What breed do you think it is? Can you post a pic for me? Do you do any kind of training with her? Do you walk her? Let me know and we can go from there. I'm looking forward to helping you.

A bond has to grow -- simply talk to her as if she's human. She may not understand all the words, but she **will** understand the intent behind the words. Eventually she **will** learn an extensive vocabulary if you continue to talk to her regularly.

dogs are masters at reading your body language -- definitely they understand a smile, and a laugh -- even when you are laughing at them. But they also read us -- from our body stance, the tension in our muscles, and particularly in our hands when we touch them -- they are better at that than we are. They also read us scent-wise.

Yes, they do -- we humans don't realize it but we release a particular scent array ... when we are worried, when we are asleep, when we are happy or nervous. A dog doesn't just process scent thru their nose -- they use their Jacobsen's Organ extensively. Like a snake has a Jacobsen's Organ in their tongue and they 'scent' the air -- a dogs JO is between the roof of their mouth and their nostrils -- it goes from the front of the snout all the way back to the skull -- it's essentially tissue that is only a couple of cells thick but it is hundreds of feet 'long' and it is accordion-pleated in that small area of their nose.

When a dog lifts its head to sniff the air?? They are using the Jacobsen's Organ -- it augments their sense of smell hugely.

Just keep trying -- I keep up a running patter to my dogs ALL the time. It's not stupid. When the dog comes up to you expectantly, say "Hi there! What do you want from me?" -- and then keep an open mind and watch them.

It may be a simple request for attention -- and if the dog comes up to you and politely sits and waits for your attention **reward that!!!**. Smile -- reach out and pet them or ruffle the scruff of the neck. (Don't pat on the top of the head -- that's generally not well-received and it can actually strain neck muscles).

I have had dogs who would actually *answer* me -- they might look in the direction of the kitchen (dinner? water?) . One of my old guys would come up and sit next to me at my desk .... and typically he would sort of "huff" and wait for me to look at him. And then when he had my eye he would sometimes look ON my desk at a bottle of essential oil I keep there for when my own neck hurts. he would look back and forth between the bottle and me as in "Getta clue Mom -- I NEED my back rubbed!!" As soon as I picked up the bottle he would obligingly position his back under my hand "RIGHT THERE please!"

He was 17 1/2 when he began doing that. I'd had him for over 17 of those years (I found him tied to a fire hydrant as a puppy). They don't develop that level of communication early but they WILL learn and they will teach you.

You might want to get Dr. Stanley Coren's "How to Speak Dog" - one of the best books on human/dog communication ever written.

WOW! these 2 answers are awesome. In answer to the 1st 1 my puppy is part Italian mini greyhound and part chihuahua . She is about 7 8 or 9 months old and the only training she has is what I do. Sit, stay, no property ( so she knows not to go potty on others property) in, ( for we are going in the house now, no no, be nice ( because she plays rough with the cat) and yes I do talk to her like she is a person and I felt silly doing that, thats why I asked this question. I do walk her. She is like a sponge and soaks up words like a sponge, as long as you show her what the word means. My question was really more about me then my puppy as I was the 1 that was feeling inadequate and silly because I talk to her like I talk to my cat., and her head pivots from side to side as if to say " what on earth are you talking about" When I scold her and say "bad" her tail starts to wag and she jumps all over the place as if she is making fun of me, she does not take the words "bad girl" seriously and I dont no how to show her that her behavior is not acceptable. I will not hit her, sorry but thats a no no for me and I dont feel like hitting an animal accomplishes anything other then fear. She loves my cat but plays to hard with her and I dont no how to teach her how to play with cats. My cat plays back by pretend hitting and my puppy gets more excited the more my cat hits her until the play becomes aggressive, then the hissing and spitting starts and still the puppy does not understand that the cat is saying NO MORE! SO these are the things that I am dealing with as of now. How to get her to understand "bad girl" is serious and the cat-dog interactions. I am happy and relieved to no that I am not an idiot by talking to my dog about everything as I do my cat.

Here is a pic of my puppy Radar :

@bunbun

@bunbun

@bunbun

@bunbun

@bunbun

@calliecritturs

@Michele68

@bunbun

I have had cat for over 19 years now and rescued a puppy and decided to keep her. She is about 7 months now and I dont feel like there is a connection between us. My cat and I have this 'Unspoken" connection but I dont have it with my puppy. She will plop herself down next to me and just sit there and stare at me. I dont no what to do when she does that. I talk to her but I dont think she understands or cares. This is hard to explain. I will post this in the hopes someone understand what I am talking about.

HI

I'd love to try to help, can you tell me a little more about the dog? What breed do you think it is? Can you post a pic for me? Do you do any kind of training with her? Do you walk her? Let me know and we can go from there. I'm looking forward to helping you.

A bond has to grow -- simply talk to her as if she's human. She may not understand all the words, but she **will** understand the intent behind the words. Eventually she **will** learn an extensive vocabulary if you continue to talk to her regularly.

dogs are masters at reading your body language -- definitely they understand a smile, and a laugh -- even when you are laughing at them. But they also read us -- from our body stance, the tension in our muscles, and particularly in our hands when we touch them -- they are better at that than we are. They also read us scent-wise.

Yes, they do -- we humans don't realize it but we release a particular scent array ... when we are worried, when we are asleep, when we are happy or nervous. A dog doesn't just process scent thru their nose -- they use their Jacobsen's Organ extensively. Like a snake has a Jacobsen's Organ in their tongue and they 'scent' the air -- a dogs JO is between the roof of their mouth and their nostrils -- it goes from the front of the snout all the way back to the skull -- it's essentially tissue that is only a couple of cells thick but it is hundreds of feet 'long' and it is accordion-pleated in that small area of their nose.

When a dog lifts its head to sniff the air?? They are using the Jacobsen's Organ -- it augments their sense of smell hugely.

Just keep trying -- I keep up a running patter to my dogs ALL the time. It's not stupid. When the dog comes up to you expectantly, say "Hi there! What do you want from me?" -- and then keep an open mind and watch them.

It may be a simple request for attention -- and if the dog comes up to you and politely sits and waits for your attention **reward that!!!**. Smile -- reach out and pet them or ruffle the scruff of the neck. (Don't pat on the top of the head -- that's generally not well-received and it can actually strain neck muscles).

I have had dogs who would actually *answer* me -- they might look in the direction of the kitchen (dinner? water?) . One of my old guys would come up and sit next to me at my desk .... and typically he would sort of "huff" and wait for me to look at him. And then when he had my eye he would sometimes look ON my desk at a bottle of essential oil I keep there for when my own neck hurts. he would look back and forth between the bottle and me as in "Getta clue Mom -- I NEED my back rubbed!!" As soon as I picked up the bottle he would obligingly position his back under my hand "RIGHT THERE please!"

He was 17 1/2 when he began doing that. I'd had him for over 17 of those years (I found him tied to a fire hydrant as a puppy). They don't develop that level of communication early but they WILL learn and they will teach you.

You might want to get Dr. Stanley Coren's "How to Speak Dog" - one of the best books on human/dog communication ever written.

WOW! these 2 answers are awesome. In answer to the 1st 1 my puppy is part Italian mini greyhound and part chihuahua . She is about 7 8 or 9 months old and the only training she has is what I do. Sit, stay, no property ( so she knows not to go potty on others property) in, ( for we are going in the house now, no no, be nice ( because she plays rough with the cat) and yes I do talk to her like she is a person and I felt silly doing that, thats why I asked this question. I do walk her. She is like a sponge and soaks up words like a sponge, as long as you show her what the word means. My question was really more about me then my puppy as I was the 1 that was feeling inadequate and silly because I talk to her like I talk to my cat., and her head pivots from side to side as if to say " what on earth are you talking about" When I scold her and say "bad" her tail starts to wag and she jumps all over the place as if she is making fun of me, she does not take the words "bad girl" seriously and I dont no how to show her that her behavior is not acceptable. I will not hit her, sorry but thats a no no for me and I dont feel like hitting an animal accomplishes anything other then fear. She loves my cat but plays to hard with her and I dont no how to teach her how to play with cats. My cat plays back by pretend hitting and my puppy gets more excited the more my cat hits her until the play becomes aggressive, then the hissing and spitting starts and still the puppy does not understand that the cat is saying NO MORE! SO these are the things that I am dealing with as of now. How to get her to understand "bad girl" is serious and the cat-dog interactions. I am happy and relieved to no that I am not an idiot by talking to my dog about everything as I do my cat.

Here is a pic of my puppy Radar :

Just keep talking to her -- it takes time.  re: playing with the cat -- just make sure the cat always has an "escape route" -- the cat will likely begin to educate the dog about what is and is **not** acceptable. LOL

Hi  Bunbun,

Dogs think differently, here 'sa little tip on understanding your dog better.

How a Dog Thinks

Dogs think in terms of their instincts. That means they need to be fed, they need a place to sleep, and they need a strong pack that will help keep them safe, which in turn means they need a strong pack leader who will guide them and provide that protection.

Your goal as a dog owner is to provide the alpha pack leadership your dog is constantly seeking and ensure that they are never left to fend for themselves. Another important factor in dog thinking is that they do not think in words.

While a dog may eventually learn to respond to a command, they do not necessarily understand the word - not in the same way that we do. Dogs are incapable of thinking in words, with the meaning attached to them. Rather, they think in terms of many things.

For the most part, they will associate actions with actions, largely through body language. Most dogs will also be able to pick up single word commands. In fact, the odds are that with every sentence you say to your dog, they pick out a single word to follow.

If you regularly say "would you like your dinner", you could shorten that to just "dinner" with a friendly tone of voice and they would respond just the same.

Learning to Think Like Your Dog

What all of this means is that you need to learn how your dog thinks and then respond in turn. Your dog does not think in terms of words and ideas. They think in actions and body language. The tone of your voice and the

way you hold yourself will always have a bigger impact than what you actually say.

By understanding that your dog thinks in images and actions you can also start to affect their behaviours more readily. For instance, a dog that is greeted each day when you and your spouse return home will quickly start to expect that greeting.

They will get excited and ready for your return. The day you don't return as expected - either because of traffic or a late day at work - they will start to grow anxious as the scene replays in their mind.

Much of what a dog thinks and prepares for comes in the form of expectations based on past actions. What you do will ingrain in the dog's mind and if you don't perform that in a certain instance, it can lead to anxiety.

It is the reason why you are encouraged to not greet your dog immediately when you return home - the dog will then stop associating that positive reaction with a specific time and return.

By controlling the perceptions of your dog and when they will receive things like food, walks, and attention, you can reduce the frustration and anxiety they feel. You can also stop expecting them to behave as a human being would and accept the fact that they are merely dogs.

Wonderful, well behaved, loving dogs. But, dogs

nonetheless.