Jez discusses dog owners that can “understand” their dogs on BBC Three Counties Radio

Jez joined BBC Three Counties Radio breakfast host Gaz Wesley to talk about recent research from Australia that suggests a staggering 46% of dog owners talk to their dogs, many of which believe they understand what their dogs are trying to say.

Jez warned that it is very common to anthropomorphise canine behaviour and although this is largely going to be harmless, it could lead to complications. Quite often owners believe they know what the dog is trying to communicate because of the vocalisation it makes, however, the majority of canine language is non-verbal: a series of controlled and very specific body movements that convey emotion, desire and intent, for example. If this innate body language is ignored, the dog will begin to vocalise (the age-old quantifier to “why do dogs bark? Because no one listens”).

Owners should be careful not to misinterpret vocalisation, particularly as winter is approaching and older dogs may not be saying: “I love you Mum” or “can I go out please?” but may actually be vocalising pain or distress.

Listen again to the entire feature for the next few days here.

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Posted in Jez in the media by admin