I think its more body language that theyre reading, than words they understand. Stand in the middle of the stairs, face away from the dog, fold your arms, look upward, and say in a monotone "go upstairs", and see if the reaction is the same
Dogs are MASTERS, Jedi Knights, at reading body language and inflection
Words are mostly babble when not connected to the all-important posture, intonation, gestures, etc
Dogs are MASTERS, Jedi Knights, at reading body language and inflection
Words are mostly babble when not connected to the all-important posture, intonation, gestures, etc
Dogs are absolutely body language ninjas. Millie knows when I'm sad, irritated, bored, anxious, etc. I'm sure she also picks up cues that I'm not even aware I'm giving. But dogs also understand more than we give them credit for.