Ready! Set! Woof! You might think your dog only knows a few simple commands like “sit,” “stay” and “come,” but science says otherwise. Your best friend is absorbing more language than you realize every time you play and chat—which raises the question: how many words do dogs understand?
In this article, we’ll explore how many words dogs understand, what influences their ability to learn language, and how you can help grow your dog vocabulary through fun, everyday training.
While it can range from as few as 15 to over 200, on average, a well-trained dog understands about 165 words, on par with a two-year old toddler!
Dogs don’t just react to sounds—they associate words with objects, actions and outcomes. Their ability to connect language to meaning helps explain why they often seem to know more than we expect. Learn more about how dogs process human language.
With the right training, some canines push their dog vocabulary far beyond the basics. Dogs continue learning throughout their lives, especially when training feels like play. The more fun and consistent the practice, the more your dog will soak up new vocabulary.
Want to boost your dog’s word bank? It’s all about playful practice…and more practice! Here’s a quick, entertaining routine to make new words stick:
Pick one word, like “ball!”. Introduce “ball” by showing your dog a ball and say “ball!” in an excited tone and let your dog sniff it.
Command and reward. Place the ball a few feet away and encourage them to “Find ball!” When your pup grabs the ball, cue the celebration! Offer a reward like treats or praise when they grab it.
Repeat, but keep it fun! Practice this routine a few times daily, aiming for five-minute play sessions, repeating the chosen word or phrase 20 to 30 times per session. Short training sessions keep your dog engaged and eager.
Hide and seek bonus! Once they’ve mastered “ball,” hide the ball behind a cushion or under a blanket. Prompt your dog to “Find ball!” and watch your dog’s nose and neurons light up!
Clear the field. Remove all other toys from sight during training so there’s no confusion—only the target toy should be visible.
One word, one meaning. Stick to the exact same word or phrase every time.
Celebrate wins. Reward correct responses with positive reinforcement—treats, praise or play—your best bet for success!
Repeat! After your dog masters “ball,” move on to the next toy like “frisbee,” “Kong” or “rope” and watch their vocabulary grow!
By turning learning into a game, you’ll keep your dog’s brain buzzing and as a bonus, you’ll strengthen the bond between you two. Before you know it, your pup will be a bona fide canine conversationalist, responding to a wide array of words. So grab that toy, say the word, and let the language adventure begin—your dog is listening!
