All Things Dog Blog

Dog Vocabulary: Taking Inventory of Your Dog's Word Recognition

Posted: 22 Oct 2010 10:00 AM PDT

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© Carrie Boyko

Poochie Smoochies?

Nah! We Don't Know that Command

Let's see. How many words or phrases do my dogs recognize? In no particular order, I'll take inventory of their vocabulary. Keep in mind, that not every word is known by both dogs. This is no competition. I'm simply having a little fun, in the hopes that you'll send me a few comments about your own dog's vocabulary. Any really odd ones out there? Are there commands on this list that you would like your dog to learn? How about we beef up the motivation a bit. I'll give away a hardback copy of the new book, A Dog's Purpose, by Bruce Cameron, along with a flying disc (just for fun!), to the person with the most interesting comment. Deadline? Sunday evening 6 p.m.; that's October 24th.

FYI, I just started reading this book; it's got a great premise and I'm off to a good start--loving it.

That 'comment' link at the bottom of the post is in need of some attention. I get lots of emails, but not as many comments. Let's get with the program folks; this is a BLOG. You're welcome to start a conversation. I encourage you to!

When you have something to say, go ahead and say it here, unless it is of a private nature. By all means, my email is open to your personal notes. I love hearing from all of you. But if you have a comment that relates to this post or this blog, leave it on the blog and we'll all benefit from your wisdom, question or thoughts. So, let her rip...."My dog knows the most unusual command or word: ______________."

So, tell me about your dog's words, and I'll share mine:

sit
stay
down
come
get in
shake
wait
place
bed
nite-nite
go bye-bye
eat
treat
off
bone
all done
come
leave it
take it
fetch
out
slow
fast
left
right
go
high five
double five
hug
weave
swim
pool
quiet
do your job
get it
house
jump
go
back up
names of Fetch toys: red, yellow, orange, gator, ball, floatie, Frisbee, boomer, donut, (okay, this list could go on forever....I'll quit there)
agility words: tunnel, weave, A Frame, walk it, table, jump

Wow! I knew there were a bunch, and I may have missed some, but still this list astounds me. Funny thing is, I've heard other people use commands that my dogs do not know.

Just today at the veterinarian's office, an owner used a command that took me aback. I wasn't quite sure I knew what it meant, but the dog complied and the owner seemed in control. Maybe it was a foreign word; I did not recognize it and already have forgotten it.

Do any of you use foreign language commands with your dogs? I see no reason why that would be strange if your native tongue is not English. Share! We'd like to know how to say Fetch in Polish. Anybody?