“Who’s a good boy? Who’s a good boy?” For most pet owners, talking to their dog is second nature. And why not? They’re great, non-judgmental listeners who hang on your every word. While it may seem silly from the outside, science offers a host of reasons why you should talk to your dog.
While, your pooch may not be able to understand the intricacies of how your day was or your views on politics, she is able to understand the tone and emotion behind it. Research indicates that dogs are actively engaged when they hear you speak in your “dog voice,” that baby-talk lingo that comes naturally to most dog owners. They’re more engaged when you speak in this manner than when you speak to them in the same tone as you would a human – so don’t feel silly about it!
Research has also shown that most dogs do recognize words and phrases if used frequently enough in their lives. If you’ve ever suspected that Fido knows what terms like “walk,” “treat” and “bath” mean, it’s likely he does.
All that doggy-talk isn’t just idle chatter, either. Talking with your dog strengthens the bond between the two of you. Talking with your dog, whether it’s when you’re out for a walk or just lazing around the house, is a great way to keep her attentive and engaged.
It’s not just Fido that benefits from your chat. Having a non-judgmental listener is a great way to vent about your problems and get them out in the open. Therapists have long known that simply talking over problems gives people an opportunity to reflect on them, and can help lead to clarity.
It’s natural to feel embarrassed when a neighbor or stranger overhears you talking to your dog, but you shouldn’t be. There are several reasons why you should talk to your dog, and, as far as we’re concerned, zero reasons why you shouldn’t.
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