Do Dogs Understand Multiple Languages?

If you’ve ever wondered whether your dog can understand multiple languages, you’re not alone. As dog owners, we’re constantly fascinated by the intelligence and abilities of our furry kids. It’s intriguing—can a dog comprehend languages beyond their primary “mother tongue”? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think, but it’s fascinating.

Through my study on this topic and personal experience, I’ve found some surprising insights about how dogs process verbal communication. Spoiler alert: Dogs are good learners—but not in the way we humans think about language.

Can Dogs Learn Multiple Languages?

The short answer is yes. Dogs don’t understand languages like humans; instead, they associate specific sounds (commands) with particular actions or behaviors. Whether you say “sit” in English, “sientate” in Spanish, or “zit” in Dutch, a dog can connect the sound to the same action if taught consistently. What matters most isn’t the specific language but the training and how well you’ve established the association between the word and the action.

For instance, bilingual or multilingual pet owners often train their dogs to respond to commands in multiple languages. This can be incredibly useful for households where different members speak different native languages. I‘ve heard from dog trainers and owners who successfully toggle between English and German or French and Chinese commands with the same dog. Some even go beyond these common language pairs, teaching their dogs commands in languages like Japanese, Russian, or Arabic. With proper conditioning, dogs can follow multiple cues seamlessly.

Dogs and Language Processing

Research into canine cognition has shown that dogs’ brains are much more advanced than we used to think. A 2020 study conducted by researchers in Hungary used MRI scans to see how dogs’ brains respond to verbal cues. They found notable differences in brain activity when dogs heard familiar vs. unfamiliar words. This suggests that while dogs may not “understand” language in a human sense, they can undoubtedly distinguish and recognize sound patterns.

Additionally, trained working dogs, such as guide dogs, police K-9s, or agility dogs, often demonstrate a higher language comprehension. These dogs can learn dozens of words, whether those are names of objects, commands, or directional cues like “left” or “right.”

Here’s an even more fascinating takeaway from the study: dogs are better at picking up on human tone and body language. They respond more to how we say something than just the words themselves. For example, your dog will often know you’re calling them for a cuddle (or perhaps a vet visit!) based on the tone of your voice, regardless of whether you call them in English, Italian, or Swahili.

Training Dogs in Multiple Languages

If you’re raising your dog in a bilingual or multilingual household, you might wonder if this will confuse them. The great news is, it won’t! Dogs are incredibly adaptable. Think of their vocabulary as a set of independent associations. You can teach your dog “sit“ in English and “assis“ in French, and they will learn to associate both words with sitting if you’re consistent with your cues. This adaptability should reassure you that your dog can learn multiple languages.

Here are some tips for training your dog in multiple languages:

• Consistency is Key  

Always pair the verbal cue with the action you want your dog to perform. Repetition helps reinforce the association. 

• Use Positive Reward-Based Training  

Reward your dog with treats, toys, or praise when they respond correctly to a command, regardless of the language.

• Stick to Simple Words  

Keep commands short and distinct. Generally, Dogs don’t like long phrases, so sticking to one—or two-word commands is ideal.

• Be Patient  

Like humans learning a new language, dogs need time to process and reinforce their learning. Be patient and make it fun. Emphasizing the fun aspect of training will make the audience feel excited and engaged in the process.

A Study in Progress

I’ve recently started an exciting private study with participants from across the globe. The participants, all enthusiastic dog owners, ask their pups questions in multiple languages and document their responses. Not surprisingly, the dogs recognize familiar commands regardless of the language. This study is an excellent opportunity for dog owners to share their experiences and be part of a global community of dog lovers. If you’d like to participate in my study, let me know in the comments, and I’ll send you the details. I want this to be fun for you and your dog.

What’s most striking, though, is the observation that tone and non-verbal signals play a significant role in these interactions. For example, one participant noted that their dog responded to “sit“ most effectively when spoken firmly but didn’t respond as well when the command was mumbled or delivered in a quieter voice.

How Many Words Can Dogs Learn?

Studies show that the average dog can learn approximately 165 words. In contrast, exceptionally intelligent breeds, like Border Collies, may learn over 1,000 words. However, remember that this doesn’t mean they “understand“ the words the same way we do. They aren’t mentally translating English to French or vice versa. Instead, their brain recognizes word patterns and links them to specific outcomes or rewards. Clever, huh?

The Role of Body Language

While verbal commands are essential, dogs rely even more on body language cues. A raised hand, a pointed finger, or a simple head tilt can often tell your dog more than any spoken word. For this reason, pairing your verbal commands with precise gestures can strengthen your dog’s comprehension and responsiveness.

Building a Better Bond

At its core, teaching your dog multiple languages is less about showcasing its brilliance and more about building a deeper connection with it. Dogs thrive on interaction; the more effort we put into understanding and communicating with them, the more our furry friends thrive. Multilingual training can enhance communication, strengthen the bond between you and your dog, and even provide mental stimulation for your pet.

For dog trainers or enthusiasts, exploring this phenomenon offers a unique way to deepen the dog-human relationship. Beyond impressive party tricks, multilingual training teaches us that communication with dogs is much more than words. It’s about tone, body language, mutual understanding, and, above all, trust.

Final Thoughts

Do dogs understand multiple languages? They don’t fluently “speak“ two or three languages, but their ability to associate numerous verbal cues with actions is undeniable. Pair this with their knack for interpreting tone and body language, and it becomes clear that your dog is one of the best communicators in your life!

If you’re a dog owner, why not try teaching your pup a command in a new language? I’d love to hear how it goes! Feel free to share your experiences in the comments or message me directly. Whether your dog is bilingual, trilingual, or still learning to sit, your efforts to communicate will strengthen your bond with your furry pal. Sharing your experiences can inspire other dog owners to try multilingual training and contribute to our understanding of canine behavior.

References:

Do Dogs Understand You When You Talk To Them? Science Says Their Communication Is Complicated. https://www.elitedaily.com/p/do-dogs-understand-you-when-you-talk-to-them-science-says-their-communication-is-complicated-12573268

Silent Dog Whistle Instructions | Pets on Mom.com. https://animals.mom.com/silent-dog-whistle-instructions-12198038.html

Understanding Dogs Language – Decoding Canine Communication. https://www.animalzoid.com/understanding-dogs-language-decoding-canine-communication/