3 Important Questions Dog Ask

How and if you answer the question can determine your dog's response-make sure you are a part of the conversation

Did you know that dogs are always trying to communicate with us and ask us questions? Most of the time we ignore them because we don’t know they are asking us a question or we aren’t sure how to answer their questions.

This can cause disconnect in your relationship and ususally where miscommunication can happen. We are approaching the world through the lens of a human; while our dogs are approaching the world through the lens of a dog. So things that are on our dog’s radar, are not necessarily on ours. This is why it’s so important to make sure that we are communicating as clearly and effectively as two individuals from differnet species can.

QUESTION 1: WHERE ARE WE GOING?

Human: I guess over here? I don’t know. No, not there, over here. Not there either, this way. Ugh. Why are you being this way? You never listen to me! You are an uncooperative and stubborn and trying to dominate me and I don’t like that!

Your dog: What?!?!?! (confused and defeated so stops trying to have a conversation with you and just does dog things and then gets in trouble for doing said dog things).

QUESTION 2: WHAT ARE WE DOING?

Human: We’re gonna do this. Nope. Nevermind. We’re gonna do this now. C’mom. Keep up and pay attention to what we are doing.

Your dog: What are we even doing because I have no idea?!

Human: Why are you not listening and being so stubborn?

Your dog: You are unclear and I’m not sure what the directions or instructions are!

QUESTION 3: ARE WE SAFE?

Human: Let’s go say hi to all the dogs and all the people and go to all of the places where there are tons of people!

Your dog: I would rather not. I don’t feel safe doing that. Can we please do something else?

Human: Go say hi and be nice to everyone!

Your dog: Please don’t make me! (snaps or growls at someone who tries to pet them because you didn’t stop to think that maybe they didn’t want to meet that person or be touched by a stranger)

Human: No! Do not do that! Bad dog!

Your dog: I tried to tell you and you didn’t listen!

How you answer the question (or even if you answer it) can determine your dog’s answer. Make sure you are a part of and understand the conversation.