Can dogs understand humans even if they can’t speak our language?
As a dog trainer, I have met thousands of dog owners whose eyes yearn to be told that yes, dogs can understand humans.
Dogs don’t speak English, so it’s always a question of whether dogs can truly understand the hugs, or the “I love you!” expressions.
Here’s the good news: YES, they understand us! But dogs understand humans differently.
It’s amazing.
But this beautiful realization also comes with a big responsibility.
Read on to learn more.
Key Takeaways:
Dogs do not have an automatic understanding of the human language, but they use observation to decipher what we mean.
Can dogs understand humans? Our pets have an innate ability to sense and take on energy.
As dog owners, we are the ones that are always with our dogs. Because they take on energy, we have to also make sure we keep our emotions and energies in check.

LEARN HOW DOGS UNDERSTAND HUMANS WITH THE DOG CALMING CODE™️
Table of Contents:
Can Dogs Understand Humans: The Story of Buster
Can Dogs Understand Humans: Can Dogs Understand English?
Do Dogs Understand Affection, Hugs, and Kisses from Humans?
Can Dogs Understand Humans: How Dogs Feel Their Owners’ Happiness, Sadness, Grief, Fear
Do Dogs See Us as Leaders or Parents?
8 Things to Do to Help Dogs with Their Emotional Health
Can Dogs Understand Humans: Yes, They Do. All The More Reason To Connect and Communicate With Them In a Healthy, Healing Way











 










Can Dogs Understand Humans: The Story of Buster
Buster's story holds a golden lesson because it vividly illustrates the incredible understanding and emotional connection dogs have with their humans.
(Watch the video below for Buster’s story.)

 

It also is a great story to answer the question “Can dogs understand humans?”
In this particular case, Buster's owner was enduring a tremendously difficult period in her marriage. She confided in me about the mistreatment she and her dog endured at the hands of her husband.
Throughout the prolonged ordeal, Buster was a silent witness, absorbing all the negative energy and emotions swirling around him.
But one day, when his owner finally decided that enough was enough and it was time to walk away, Buster seized the opportunity to convey a powerful message to her husband.
In a deliberate move, Buster headed toward the area where the husband was engrossed in watching something on the TV.
LEARN HOW DOGS COMMUNICATE WITH HUMANS WITH THE DOG CALMING CODE
With a determined gaze, he positioned himself directly in front of the screen and, to everyone's surprise, left a sizable poo behind.
Now, I can only speculate, but it seems clear that Buster's gesture was his way of declaring, "We're finished here. This is my parting gift."
Throughout the difficult journey, he had been attentively observing everything, and this was his final act to communicate his unwavering support for his owner and his disapproval of the husband's actions.
Buster's memorable action serves as a powerful reminder of the depth of understanding and empathy that dogs possess.
They have an uncanny ability to perceive and respond to our emotions, even in the most challenging circumstances.
In this case, Buster's poignant message conveyed not only his loyalty but also his unwavering support for his owner, leaving an indelible mark on their shared journey.
Can Dogs Understand Humans: Can Dogs Understand English?
Whenever I tell people about the story of Buster, I’m often asked:
“So, Doggy Dan, does it mean that dogs understand our language?”
Apart from the question of whether dogs can understand humans, I’m also frequently asked if dogs get the English language. Or just about any other language!
A quick answer is this: no. Understanding human language for dogs isn’t a natural talent, but instead a skill developed by constant observation.
How Dogs Understand Words
Dogs are amazing with familiarizing with words, including intonations and tone. The understanding of dogs is shaped not only by