New study reveals dogs can better understand you if you slow down your speech
In a recent study, researchers have found that dogs can comprehend human speech better when spoken to at a slower pace. Although dogs cannot produce human sounds, they possess the ability to respond to human speech, especially when it is delivered at a slower tempo.
According to the study published in the Plos Biology journal, dogs’ comprehension of human speech relies on a slower speech rhythm compared to humans. The researchers observed that when people talk slowly, it aligns with dogs’ receptive abilities, enabling them to better understand commands and communication from their owners.
The study, led by Eloise Deaux and her team at the University of Geneva in Switzerland, involved analysing vocal sounds from 30 dogs and 27 humans speaking in five languages to other people, as well as 22 humans addressing dogs. By examining brain responses to speech in both humans and dogs, they found interesting patterns in how each species processes speech differently.
Humans tend to speak at a faster rate, approximately four syllables per second, while dogs communicate through barks, growls, woofs, and whines at a slower pace of around two vocalisations per second. Interestingly, when speaking to dogs, people naturally slow down their speech to approximately three syllables per second, which aligns with dogs’ neural responses to speech focused on slower brain waves.
The researchers suggest that adjusting our speech rate when communicating with our canine companions may lead to better connections and understanding between humans and dogs. By acknowledging and adapting to dogs’ unique vocal processing systems, we can enhance our interactions and strengthen the bond with our furry friends.