Talking to Dogs: It’s Not Just About the Noise!
Ah, communication with our furry friends! One would think it’s all about barking out commands and perhaps, *ahem*, raising your voice like a drill sergeant on a caffeine high. But recent research says otherwise, and it’s time we dialed down the shouting match and turned up the calm and collected tone—much like a TED Talk, but for dogs!
According to a study published in PLOS Biology, talking to our beloved hounds is less about commanding them with a grand flourish and more about the speed and tone of our voice. Turns out, they’re not fans of our fast-paced world. Poor pups probably think we’re just going through a hyperactive existential crisis!
How Do Dogs Process Human Speech?
Now, here’s the kicker—dogs process human speech at a different rate than we do. In a study involving 30 dogs and 27 humans (that’s quite the dog park party), scientists used electroencephalography (EEG) to monitor brain responses. Who knew Fido’s brain was so scientifically interesting? We’re practically one step closer to having doggy philosophers!
The findings revealed that our tail-wagging companions prefer calm and slow speech. So, if you want to communicate effectively with your pooch, you might as well strap on a pair of slippers, grab a cup of chamomile tea, and start channeling your inner Winnie the Pooh: “I came… to… here.” Yes, folks, it’s all about channeling that warm, fuzzy energy!
The Power of Tone and Speed
While we humans tend to rattle off about four syllables per second (a solid motivational speaker’s pace), our canine counterparts are barking away at a relaxed two vocalizations per second. That’s like the difference between a karaoke night and a quiet afternoon reading the paper. This speed difference could drastically change how dogs interpret what we’re saying. Imagine if nobody ever slowed down to explain things in a language you could grasp—chaos would ensue. “Why is that squirrel barking back?”
So, let’s slow down the chat, fine-tune our tones, and let those sweet pups know we mean business—calm business! A friendly, slower tone significantly improves the lines of communication. It’s like giving them a little instruction manual in “Dog.” Maybe it should come with a sticker that says “Barking is Cool, but Let’s Talk!”
Why This Matters
The implications of this research go beyond just bending down and talking nicely to our four-legged pals. It reinforces that evolutionary connection between us and our dogs. It’s as if science finally confirmed what we’ve all suspected while watching our pets look lovingly into our eyes: “Oh yes, I get you… or at least I pretend to!”
In short, adapting our communication style not only makes life easier but also enriches the relationship we share with our canine companions. We owe it to them to rethink our approach—just imagine the assumptions being made in those adorable heads when we shout “SIT!” like it’s the end of the world.
So the next time you’re talking to your dog, give them the sweet serenade of calmness they crave. Drop the barking and turn on the soothing sounds! Because remember, a happy dog is a well-understood dog, and who doesn’t want a wagging tail waiting for praise?
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Talking to dogs isn’t as simple as giving them quick commands or raising your voice when they don’t obey. Recent research reveals that the key for these types of pets to better understand what you want to tell them lies in the speed and tone used to communicate with them.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that heDogs process human speech at a different rate than people.. To do this, the scientists analyzed the brain responses of 30 dogs and 27 people using electroencephalography (EEG).
Speaking slowly and slowly would be the key for dogs to understand us (Illustrative image) Photo: Pe
The results yielded fascinating information. They discovered that These animals respond best to words that are said in a calm and slow tone..
While we emit around four syllables per second, dogs “speak” through barking and vocalizations at a slower rate, about two vocalizations per second. This difference in speed directly affects how dogs interpret what we tell them. If we use a friendlier and slower tonelike “I came… to… here”, the dog is more likely to understand and obey.
Communicating with a pet can be a difficult task if you don’t know how to do it (Illustrative image)Photo: Pe
Adjusting the way we speak to them, slowing down the speed of our words and using a soft tone, can significantly improve communication between humans and dogs.
These findings not only reinforce the evolutionary connection between both species, but they also offer a practical way to improve daily interaction with our pets.
*By Matías Torino
El Universal (Mexico)
