December 9, 2025
Dog vocabulary
Have you ever wondered how much dogs know? A 2022 study of 165 adult dogs found that they know an average of 89 words. The range varied between 15 to a sizable 215 words!
Dogs don’t listen or learn words the same way we do. They process the information differently.
A dog’s senses
Dogs can instantly pick up on your emotions. They sense subtle behavior or body language changes. Over thousands of years, dogs have gained a keen sense of awareness when it comes to our emotions. It is one of the reasons our bond grows deep with them.
Your tone of voice or your posture is a dead giveaway to our furry friends. Dogs can also pick up changes in your heart rate. They become protective or nudge your hand to pet them.
Dogs sense your emotions in facial expressions. They also have expert noses! They can actually smell your emotions.
Dogs do know their name. They will turn their head, wag their tail, bark or come to you.
It is recommended to name your dog something with one or two syllables. A longer complex name can confuse them and make it harder to learn. If you do use a longer name, a shorter nickname is suggested.
A dog’s memory
Ever notice how dogs seem to remember places? Getting ready to go for a walk, they get excited? The trip to the vet causes anxious behavior? Dogs do remember things, just in a different way than we do.
Association
Dogs who are fed at the same time each day, begin to associate that time of day with being fed. There is actually brain chemical changes that occur at that same time each day, signaling it is time to eat.
The dog’s great sense of smell plays a huge part in remembering things, places and experiences- good or bad. The association can help them remember longer term memories.
Our dog Oliver was attacked by a German Shepard several years ago. Every time he saw a German Shepard for a long time, he began to tremble and we needed to pick him up.
Dog road maps
Dogs have the ability to create mental maps. By knowing their familiar routes and landmarks, they can find their way back to places. Canines use cues like the sun position, wind direction and even the ground under their paws to remember places.
Dogs have strong attachments to their owners. They know your scent, voice and routines, which brings them a feeling of comfort and security.
It’s no wonder we love our dogs! They are loyal, empathetic and intuitive family members!
Kelly