Do you frequently speak to your fur friend in a baby voice? Do you get a head tilt when you’re having a conversation with them? Studies show that dogs actually do understand us in more ways than one and now science proves that vocal tone, facial expression, eye contact and body language combine to create a dialect all of our own where our pets are concerned.
For example:
Are you sad? – When you’re feeling blue you may be quieter, have hunched shoulders and be less animated. Most pets can sense something is wrong and will come to cuddle next to you, providing amazing comfort through hard times and giving unconditional love to help ease anxiety and stress.
Are you biased? – Pets can sense when they’re not getting as much attention as another pet and this can often cause distress and anxiety.
Is your life changing? – Depression and resentment can occur especially when bringing home a new baby or another pet. It’s imperative to show your fur friend that they are still important in your life by giving them plenty of attention and love.
Are you mad? – Dogs especially can sense when their pet parent is upset with them by reading a lowered, hard voice, stiff stance and quick, dominant movements. It’s during this time that they might switch on the “cute puppy dog eyes” to try and turn the situation around. Most of the time, unless your catching your pet in the act, they will not understand why you are mad with them. Therefore, getting angry, yelling or hitting them will just be confusing. The best thing to do in this situation is to pause, take a deep breath and then reward them when they are doing the right thing.
Are you afraid? – Acting frightened is easily read by your pets. If you are being menaced or upset by someone most dogs will defend you, but some can act just as afraid as you are. Some pets can even sense when something is menacing you before you do, as has happened recently in an Elanora housefire: Read article
So next time you’re getting funny looks from people when you’re talking to your pets simply tell them that our fur babies do understand us and science and fact prove it!
