How to Let My Dog Know He’s A Good Boy

Do you have a dog and constantly tell him that he is a really good boy? Well, there is actually a method to the madness that all makes sense, and your dog might even be able to tell that you think he is a good boy. There are lots of ways that you can let your dog know what they are doing a really good job, in ways that they can definitely understand, and we will explain them all in this article. 

Most of us are guilty of putting on our best ‘dog voice’ when we talk to our pets, and this can actually be really great for their progress. When your dog is behaving really well, and doing exactly what is expected of them, sometimes you just can’t help but let them know that they are such a good boy. If you are wondering how to let your dog know that he’s a good boy, then you’ve come to the right place.

Using the Phrase ‘Good Boy’

There is much debate as to whether or not your dog can understand you when you tell him that he’s been a good boy. Interestingly, scientists have discovered that dogs can easily learn up to around 150 different words, but some dogs can learn even more than this. If your dog has a large vocabulary, then they will be able to understand communication much more efficiently, and you will ultimately have a better relationship with them. 

However, when you are teaching your dog new behaviour that you want them to follow, and you tell them that they are a good boy, there needs to be a way of them being able to associate the compliment with an action of some kind. The words on their own might not be understandable, but you can incorporate the word ‘good’ into their routine so that they can learn to understand what it means. If your dog does not know that what they did was good, they won’t know to replicate the behaviour. So, if they do as they are told, you can use a form of positive reinforcement when you say ‘good boy’, like giving him treats or lots of fuss. This way, he will be able to learn that the phrase means that he has done a good job.

The Benefits of Using Your ‘Dog Voice’

Everyone, whether they admit it or not, has a dog voice that they talk in sometimes when they communicate with their dog. We are referring to that high pitched voice that is full of energy and adoration. Well, you aren’t totally crazy for putting on this voice, and it can actually have great benefits for your dog. 

Scientists have shown that the way in which we speak to our dogs is actually really important to be able to develop a good bond and relationship between the pet and the owner. It is similar to the way in which adults often speak to babies and young children, and it is positively received by dogs. The speech-related experiments that took place showed that talking in your ‘dog voice’ will help to improve attention and it can even also help humans to better socially bond with their dogs. 

Do Dogs Know When They Are Being Good?

The answer to this question is quite subjective at times, but they can tell when you are happy with them and when you are not. They can make a connection between good and bad behaviour based on your reactions, and there are also certain behaviours that they know to avoid. For example, any well-trained dog will know that they are not supposed to go to the toilet inside of the house or chew at the bottom of a wall. So, they certainly know what behaviour they should avoid. 

Dogs do not necessarily have any perception of good, but they will repeat behaviour that they have been praised for, as they have associated it with getting a positive reaction. It isn’t likely that your dog is debating over whether what they are about to do is good or bad before they do it, but they will learn to associate it with good and bad, depending on the reaction that you give them.

This is why it is so important or you to encourage positive behaviour and discourage negative behaviour. Your dog can only learn from what you train them to do and train them not to do. It is your job to make sure that you are using positive reinforcement to encourage the repetition of good behaviour. Essentially, they aren’t born with any concept of right and wrong, but they can be taught what is good and what is bad. 

Do Dogs Know That Their Owners Love Them?

It is evident that there is definitely loyalty between a dog and its owner, and they will be aware of the bond and relationship that they have developed with you. The more interaction and communication that you have with your dog, the stronger your bond with each other will be. However, when we talk about whether or not dogs are aware that we love them, there is a lot of debate to be had. There are two types of people; those that do not believe that dogs are aware of our love, and those that do. The majority of people tend to opt for the latter opinion, but there will still be some people on the opposing side.

There is no way to ask them about this, but we can look at the behaviour that they display towards us, and this could be enough evidence for some people that they are aware of our love for them. Even if they don’t know it as an emotion in itself, they will be aware that you show them affection and that you care for them regardless. If your dog can feel comfortable around you and let their guard down when you are around, and you show them affection and care for them, then they will definitely be aware of your special bond. 

How Do You Know If Your Dog Is Happy?

Dogs do not show emotion in the same way that we humans do, which can make it difficult to tell if they are happy and content or not. They do not smile and laugh like us, but they do show signs of happiness in other ways that we can learn to interpret and understand. 

It is thought that if a dog is wagging their tail, then they are really happy, but this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, a slow wagging of the tail can mean something different entirely. However, if your dog is ferociously wagging their tail, then the likelihood is that they are really happy or excited, and sometimes even both.

How to Show My Dog That I Love Them

One of the best ways to show your dog that you love and care for them is to give them lots of physical affection. This interaction is a great way to improve your bond and show your dog that you care. We will leave some helpful tips for petting your dog below, so you can be sure that you are doing everything that you possibly can.

• Most dogs prefer fuss on the shoulders, the bottom of the neck, and the chest
• Try to avoid your dog’s legs, muzzle, and paws
• Stroking your dog can be therapeutic for both of you, so why not give it a go?
• Move your hand in the direction of their fur, not against it
• Try gently scratching your dog as well as stroking them
• Your dog will show you that they are enjoying what you are doing and if they are not, so don’t worry about it