How many words does your dog know Forums

Spacerunner

All dogs are 'tuned' into their owners all the time, so its no wonder they pick up so many sounds (words) and can put them into the correct context. Have you noticed how they pick up somethings much faster than others. These usually mean that they are going to benefit from what the sound means. For example my 8 year old learnt 'sausage' in 2 minutes, but still has difficulty with 'move' when he has just installed himself on the bed!
I think that the fewer good words/commands they learn is most probably better as it doesn't lead to wrong messages received. Unless of course you want a circus performer that concentrates its whole life trying to please you. You only have to watch a good sheep dog to see what a bundle of nerves they are trying to please the shepherd.
Dogs also are highly perceptive of body language. So although you don't realise it when yo give some commands you are most probably reinforcing the sound with a body movement, eg slapping your thigh when you call your dog to you. So that when they do go deaf in old age they have already built up a working vocabulary in body/sign language.
My dog always check what clothes I am putting on in the morning to decypher what I am going to do that day, also as soon as we pick up the shopping bags he goes to his bed as he knows we are going out without him, and its his chance to catch up with Classic FM!