Dogs really do know what we are saying

[Lyndarn]

I would go even further to OP's title. Dogs especially, although most animals have it too. It's not so much the words..it's how it is said, the body language you emanate, the actual energy you produce. Often, they will react to you even when words aren't uttered. Ala~ sick, sad,depressed, upset and controlling anger. They seem to react and respond accordingly.

Oh yeah, they also react to routine activities, sounds of a leash, getting ready for work, going to kitchen and getting their food ready etc etc etc. My fur baby (RIP sweet one) would automatically get into his kennel when I was preparing to goto work. It's uncanny how these animals seem to know even before you do what your next move is

[stan4]

Originally Posted by maggiekate

yes and they do know when there owner is ill so puppy is mellow but well wild

It's weird.

I've never had a dog or cat that seemed to give 2 craps if I was upset/sad/ill.

Which is to say they don't seem to act any differently. They're always all up in my grill, and this doesn't change or seem more mellow or more connected when I'm down.

However, every dog I've had has tried to save me from drowning.