We all know that dogs are smart, sensitive creatures, but interpreting their vocalizations and behaviors can still be a challenge. In this episode, animal behaviorist Daniel Mills reveals the true meanings behind dogs’ noises, actions, and body language. Then, author Pilley Bianchi tells the story of Chaser, the border collie who became known as “The Smartest Dog in the World” for the way that she learned language. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org. Follow Dallas on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn. Watch our video shorts on YouTube, and join the discussion on Facebook. Learn about Daniel’s work with the Animal Behaviour, Cognition and Welfare Research Group. Buy Pilley’s book, Animals Make Us Human. Learn more about The Chaser Initiative. Find the right doctor, right now at zocdoc.com/20k Make your world sound amazing at sonos.com/hertz This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/20k Get a free Netsuite KPI Checklist at netsuite.com/20k. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: www.20k.org/episodes/dog-translation-guide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
You're listening to 20,000 hertz.
I'm Dallas Taylor.
Dogs are truly man's best friend around the world.
Almost a third of all households are home to a pet dog, which adds up to more than 470 million canine companions.
They protect our families, keep us active, and show us their love as soon as we walk in the door.
Now, we all know that dogs are smart, sensitive creatures.
That's 20,000 hertz.
Producer Leila Battison.
But to communicate with dogs effectively, we have to understand how they're wired to think.
Dogs are going to see us through a dog's eye view of the world.
And that's very different to a human one.
That's Dr.
Daniel Mills, who's an expert in animal behavior.
Dogs are incredibly observant and very good at predicting what will work and what will get them what they need.
So I think the starting point has to be to appreciate the fact that dogs want to fit in, as in.
They want to fit in with the people in their lives.
And those social tendencies go way back to their wild wolf ancestors.
Wolves live and hunt in packs of about six or seven, roaming together over hundreds of square miles of territory.
And when you rely on your pack for your next meal, it's essential that you communicate well with them.
Vocalizations, which you commonly find in the wild ancestors, like whining and howling, are clearly social solicitation, and they've retained that function.