How Dogs Understand Humans and Each Other By: Jenna Boeck

Dogs communicate with body language, so they actually know more than we give them credit for. When a dog barks, it usually means that they are hurt, hungry, or need to go outside. When a dog is being aggressive, its ears will either automatically go back against its head, or go up and forward. Large eyes usually mean the dog is scared or stressed. Also, if a dog is scared, its mouth will be closed and pulled back slightly at the corners. If a dog is staring directly at another dog or human, that means that they are threatening them. If a dog is feeling alert, it will raise its ears higher up on its head and turn its ears toward the sound that they are hearing. When a dog is feeling playful, it will be lower on its front end then its back end. The dogs’ ears and tail will both be pointed up.

TThe average dog understands around 200 words. DDogs don’t necessarily understand words, but the sounds that they hear. They then relate those sounds to the actions that come with them. DDogs pay more attention to short, straight to the point words rather than long ones. Sometimes, dogs don’t even listen to the first word, just the first sound or syllable.

Understanding Human Actions Dogs can realize small differences in behavior, even if you just shift your gaze. For instance, if you even just quickly glance at the leash hanging by the door, your dog might all of a sudden get up and run to the door, excited to go on a walk. Compared to most animals, dogs are able to quickly understand what a human wants them to do. A humans emotions radiate off of them and dogs can easily read them Dogs remember what you say when you do certain actions. When you say those things again, a dog expects you to do the same things, too.

W ILD D OG P ACKS Have a “pecking order”- most important dog to least important Alpha- Most important dog Beta- Least important dog Stick together to hunt and protect each other Descended from wolves Only the dominant males and females breed Usually live in forested areas For dogs to submit to their alpha, they roll over and show their stomach.

o Quickest dogs to learn things o In some places in the world when trained they can do five times the work a human can o Dominate all dog sports o Amazing sense of smell; great trackers o Recognize human personalities o Can find many ways to get what they want The Border Collie is considered the smartest dog breed in the world.

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