How Can You Talk To Your Dog?

You can talk to your dog, and sometimes your dog talks back. You can even teach your dog to speak on command, and of course you know your dog can learn to follow different commands, such as sit, heel, fetch, etc.

But what about having actual conversations with your dog? Is that even possible?

Dog Translation

Melody Jackson thinks she knows how real human-dog conversations would go, because she’s got some first-hand, or rather first-voice experience.

A Georgia Institute of Technology professor, Jackson has actually developed a device that gives dogs their own voices. This technology is not just for fun, or just to earn a PhD, however. It has important implications for therapy dogs, canine drug and bomb detection, and search and rescue.

Jackson style doggie-human communication happens through dog-vests that have special sensors that can send either text notifications or audible cues to a cellphone.

Jackson’s research program is underwritten both by The National Science Foundation and also, more ominously, by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, better known as DARPA. Does anyone see a Hollywood script here?

Can we take the vest home for our own dogs?

Not yet, but Dr. Jackson sees numerous personal uses for this communication technology.

For example, “What if that dog could reach around and pull a tab on its vest and call 911 with your GPS location, and text your husband: ‘By the way she’s at Starbucks on Fifth and Spring, and she’s having a seizure right now.’ Your husband would know immediately that 911 is on the way.”

Doggie-com vests could also be a lifesaver for people who physically can’t speak or for hearing-impaired people.

Conversation between friends. Image via Tran Mau Tri Tam from Pixabay

Can you have a two-way conversation with your dog more naturally?

Although you can’t have a heart to heart conversation with your dog in English or other human languages, there are ways to talk better with him or her. You’ll find it not only enjoyable but it also helps to strengthen the connection between you and canine best friend. There is some training needed first though, as much for you as for your dog!

How can you teach your dog to speak?

There are a few things you can do to train your dog to speak to you. The first is to use positive reinforcement. When your dog barks when you ask her a question, praise her and give her a treat. This will let her know that she is doing something you like and she will be more likely to do it again.

The second thing you can do is to use a clicker. A clicker is a small device that makes a clicking sound when you press it. When you tell your dog to speak and she does what you want, you can click the clicker and then give her a treat. She will quickly learn that the clicking sound means she gets a treat, and she will start to talk back to the commands you give her.

The third thing you can do is to use a word or phrase that your dog knows. When you give the command, say the word or phrase firmly and clearly. If your dog does not respond at first, keep saying it until she does. Once she starts responding to the command, you can start adding other words or phrases.