9 Words No Dog Can Understand & 9 Words Every Dog Can 

Dogs may not understand full conversations, but they are incredible at picking up on tone, repetition, and body language. While some words make perfect sense to them, others are just meaningless sounds that don’t trigger any reaction.

So, which words are completely lost on your pup, and which ones instantly get their tail wagging? Here are 9 words that dogs simply don’t understand and 9 words they recognize and react to almost every time.

9 Words No Dog Can Understand 

Let’s begin with the words that fly right over your furry friend’s head! 

Later

Dogs don’t grasp the concept of time. If you tell them they’ll get a treat “later,” they’ll just keep waiting expectantly until something happens.

Sorry

Apologizing to your dog might make you feel better, but they don’t understand the meaning of “sorry.” They respond more to tone and affection rather than verbal apologies.

Maybe

Dogs need clear commands. Saying “maybe” won’t help them understand if they’re getting a treat, going outside, or doing something wrong.

Favorite

You might have a favorite toy, show, or meal, but dogs don’t rank things in order of preference—they just love whatever is in front of them.

Work

Your dog sees you leave every day, but telling them you’re going to “work” means nothing. To them, you vanish and (hopefully) return.

Soon

Telling your dog “we’ll go soon” is meaningless. They don’t comprehend the difference between a minute, an hour, or tomorrow—they only know now and not now.

Privacy

Ever had your dog follow you into the bathroom? That’s because “privacy” is a human concept. To them, every moment is meant to be shared.

Be Patient

Patience is not a dog’s strong suit. Saying “be patient” while they’re waiting for food or a walk won’t calm them down—they’ll just keep pacing or staring at you intensely.

Bored

You might be bored, but your dog doesn’t dwell on boredom the way humans do. They either find something to do or wait for you to entertain them.

9 Words Every Dog Can Understand

Now let’s see which words are sure to make your doggos wag their tails and jump up and down in excitement. 

Walk

Say “walk,” and your dog immediately perks up. It signals adventure, excitement, and the great outdoors!

Treat

Dogs recognize “treat” like a magical word that always leads to something delicious—it’s basically their version of hitting the jackpot.

Sit

One of the most common training commands, “sit” is an easy-to-learn word that’s often rewarded with praise or treats.

Stay

Dogs trained with “stay” know it means pausing in place—though their patience varies from pup to pup!

No

Dogs don’t always listen to “no,” but they definitely recognize it as a signal that they should stop whatever they’re doing.

Come

Whether it’s calling them inside or getting them to follow, dogs learn “come” through training and positive reinforcement.

Outside

Many dogs love going outside, so they quickly associate the word “outside” with fresh air, new smells, and adventure.

Good

Hearing “good boy” or “good girl” makes any dog happy. Praise and rewards make this one of the most positive words in their vocabulary.

Eat

If you say “eat” or “dinner,” your dog knows what’s coming. Mealtime is one of the highlights of their day!

Conclusion

Dogs don’t process language the way humans do, but they associate words with actions, routines, and emotions. Some words mean absolutely nothing to them, while others trigger instant recognition. The way you say it matters too—tone and consistency make all the difference!