Science Says that Dogs Hearts Race When Humans Say “I Love You”
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Pet parents who happen to be dog lovers learn to communicate with their pooches in unique ways. While those who have not experienced a close relationship with canines may not realize it, dogs understand a lot more than most people believe. When you communicate with your dog, he gets the gist of the meaning behind your words quickly. There is proof that when you say “I love you” to your dog, he knows what you’re telling him. How do we know this to be true? Keep reading and we’ll explain.
Scientific studies show that dogs respond to “I love you”
I Heart Dogs shared the findings of a study conducted on dogs. Most well-adjusted pups are too happy to greet their masters with kisses and tail wagging, and it’s their way of letting you know that they love you and they’re glad to see you. They show their emotions freely and without reservation unless you train them to keep a lid on it. Dogs are animals that know how to love with their entire heart. Owners who tell them to get down or who reject these displays of emotion are missing out on special bonding time with their pets. Canine Cottages conducted a study to monitor the reactions of dogs when their human tells them “I love you.” The findings were quite remarkable. They attached heart monitors on several pups to record any differences in their physiological responses to the stimulus. When their owners said “I love you,” the dogs’ heart rates went up by 46.2 percent. This shows that those three magical words create excitement. What’s more, the study also showed that when canines cuddled with their owners their heart rates decreased by more than 22 percent. This shows that they are the most relaxed when they receive this kind of attention.
How the tone of your voice affects your dog
Studies also show that your dog can distinguish between the tones of your voice. This helps his understanding of what you mean and it opens up real communications even further. VCA Hospitals explains that there are five tones that your dog distinguishes. When you speak in a high pitch with high volume in a cheerful tone, your dog will surmise that you are pleased with him or that you want to play with him. Signs that he acknowledges this meaning is a wagging tail or perked ears. When you speak in a low pitch with low volume, it gets his attention. He also sees the expression on your face and can tell when you disapprove of his behavior or you are disappointed in him. If this is the message he receives he is likely to lower his tail and his head.
When you speak in a high pitch with low volume, it sends a reassuring message. Speaking in a soothing tone shows affection and that you care about him. It’s a way to bond with your pup. When you say nice things to him or tell him you love him, he really feels it. When you speak in a low pitch with low volume firmly, it signals you want his attention and either a correction or command will be forthcoming. He expects a directive of some type. He may grow quiet and listen for further instructions if he is well-trained. In the same regard, if you yell in a high volume with either a low or high pitch, he goes immediate attention because this signals potential danger to him.
Pairing words with a tone
Barkpost confirms that the tone of your voice has a huge impact on your dog. Your tone can make him feel loved and secure but it can also make him feel stressed or overwhelmed. Dogs have emotions and it is possible to create a miserable living situation if you yell or threaten them. It’s possible to create a pet who has severe emotional or nervous problems because of the tone of your voice or the words that you use routinely in their presence. They know when you’re being kind and they know when you’re taking your frustrations out on them as well.
Dogs are sensitive and intelligent
Your dog is capable of learning to communicate with you in meaningful ways if you are aware of how your words and the way you use your voice affects him. You can further enhance communications with your pet by pairing certain words with voice volume and pitch. This helps to avoid confusion. You can use this strategy to create word associations with tone and volume. Don’t be surprised if your dog understands words that you say regardless of tone or volume in time.
Final thoughts
Research has enlightened us about the fact that dogs have a much greater understanding of our words than most people realize. While some pet lovers have already guessed this on their own, it took scientific research to prove that the theory is true. Our dogs respond to the sound of our voices and they also come to make word associations. In short, they know much more of what we’re saying to them than we could have ever imagined. They’re sensitive intelligent creatures who are just looking for love, acceptance, and a little understanding while they’re learning the rules. It’s exciting to have confirmation that our dogs know what we’re telling them, but it also puts an awesome responsibility on the shoulders of pet owners. Just like we show respect to our human children while we’re teaching them how to behave properly, we must take our pets’ needs and feelings into consideration. It’s not a good idea to call them names and assume they don’t know what we’re saying, because it’s likely that they understand much more than we think.
