Talking To Your Dogs Might Not Be A Dream Anymore

No, you cannot have a proper chat with your dog yet, but technology is getting closer to helping us understand what they are trying to say. Researchers and companies around the world are using AI to study animal sounds and faces. Until the tools are ready, the best translator is still you. This post covers what is happening in the field, and how to read your dog better today. For more everyday guidance, see our new pet parent hub.

Why we all want to know what our dogs are saying

Dogs understand a lot. They know their names, their routines and the sound of your keys. They read your voice and your face. Yet it can still be hard to tell what your dog wants when they stare at you, pace by the door or bark at nothing. That gap is exactly what researchers hope to close.

How AI could help decode animal language

AI has already helped people decode ancient languages. Scientists are hopeful that the same kind of pattern-spotting can be used on animals, by studying facial expressions and vocalisations and linking them to meaning. The idea is simple: collect lots of examples, find the patterns, and see what they relate to.

This is not entirely new. In 2002, the satirical Ig Nobel Prize was awarded to a Japanese novelty item built on similar research. Who knows what the coming decades will bring.

Devices and companies working on it

• Inupathy: This Japanese company showed a device at the Consumer Electronics Show 2020 that helps owners understand their dog's emotions. It shows red or green to tell you whether your dog seems stressed or relaxed, and you can see the data on the device's LED screen. Learn more at Inupathy.
• Zoolingua: Created in 2018 to improve the relationship between pet owners and pets. It was inspired by the work of Dr. Constantine Slobodchikoff, who has studied animal communication for around 30 years, with prairie dogs as his main study species. See Zoolingua.
• Gavagai AB: Another company working on understanding animal language with AI, with a focus on dolphins. Read about Gavagai AB.

Most of this is still early. Treat any gadget as a fun extra, not a replacement for paying attention to your own dog.

Why decoding animal language matters

You may be thinking you can already tell what your dog wants just by looking at them. But understanding animals better has bigger uses too. It could help protect animal populations and deepen the bond between people and the animals they live with. If you ever have a concern about your own dog, speak to your veterinarian.

How to read your dog right now

You do not need a device to start. Dogs speak a clear language of their own, and it is mostly body language. Watch these signals together, not one at a time:

• Tail: A loose, wide wag usually means a happy dog. A stiff or tucked tail can mean the dog is unsure.
• Ears: Ears forward show interest. Ears pinned back often show worry.
• Mouth and face: A soft face and relaxed mouth are good signs. A tight face, lip licking or yawning when nothing is tiring can mean stress.
• Posture: A loose, wiggly body is relaxed. A frozen, stiff body deserves space.
• Voice: Barks, whines and growls all carry different messages. Notice the situation each time.

Keep a simple "dog diary"

For a week, jot down what your dog does and what was happening just before. You may spot that the pacing happens at the same hour every evening, or that barking starts when a certain sound comes from the corridor. Patterns turn guesses into understanding, which is exactly what AI researchers are doing on a much bigger scale.

Respond, do not react

When your dog is trying to tell you something, stay calm, look at the whole situation, and respond to what you see. Shouting rarely helps. Our guide on how to communicate better with your dog has more on commands, hand signals and consistency.

Common mistakes when reading dogs

1. Assuming a wagging tail always means friendly. The wag has to match the rest of the body.
2. Reading human feelings into every look. A "guilty" face is often your dog reacting to your tone.
3. Ignoring small signals. Dogs usually say it quietly first. Loud signals come when quiet ones are missed.
4. Expecting the same signals from every dog. Breed, age and past experience all change how a dog communicates.

It also helps to know what other pets think of us. See 5 things your pet is really thinking for a lighter take, and our pet life in India hub for more everyday reading.

Frequently asked questions

Can AI really translate what my dog says?

Not yet. Researchers are working on it, and some devices try to show whether a dog seems stressed or relaxed. These are early tools, so enjoy them as a curiosity.

What is the Inupathy device?

It is a device from a Japanese company, shown at the Consumer Electronics Show 2020, that shows red or green to indicate whether a dog seems stressed or relaxed.

How can I understand my dog better without any technology?

Watch their body language, note patterns in what happens before a behaviour, and respond calmly and consistently.

Does my dog understand what I say?

Dogs learn words, tones and routines well, and they read your body language even better. Pair words with hand signals and keep your tone steady.

Until the tools catch up, trust your instincts and keep listening. You may already know more than you think.

By Team Stepevoli.