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Original poster

To think people wouldn’t like dogs if they could talk

221 replies

DonnaBanana · 22/10/2022 11:24

I am not a dog person. But I know lots of people who are and they commonly say the thing they love about dogs (as compared to children, for example) is how their love is unconditional and they don’t speak or share their opinions with you like people do.

That seemed a bit sad to me. It seems like saying having a dog is mostly good because it can’t talk or share its opinions (and as a sentient animal it surely has some) but if it could, it would become annoying and undesirable.

Would you still have a dog if it spoke its mind?

OP posts:
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StoneofDestiny · 22/10/2022 11:25

I’d prefer if they could use the bathroom and flush the toilet after themselves

Takingabreakagain · 22/10/2022 11:25

I would love to know what my dogs were thinking. If they could talk I'm sure they could also learn when to and when not to speak.

Keyansier · 22/10/2022 11:25

I can't stand dogs, they're utterly foul.

I'd hate them even more if they could talk. YANBU.

Testina · 22/10/2022 11:26

But isn’t what they actually mean about the love being unconditional, is that if a dog could speak its mind, its genuine words would be, “woof you’re just amazing, I love being with you”?

vodkaredbullgirl · 22/10/2022 11:27

Takingabreakagain · 22/10/2022 11:25

I would love to know what my dogs were thinking. If they could talk I'm sure they could also learn when to and when not to speak.

Sometimes I think I know what my dogs are saying Smile

romdowa · 22/10/2022 11:31

I'd prefer if they could talk. They could tell you what they want, you could also reason with them or explain things to them.

Timeforanautumnal · 22/10/2022 11:31

Judging from behaviour, dog would basically say 'yay, you're here, let's play, I love you, I'm hungry, there's a potential murderer knocking on the door and I'm going to protect you, I'm happy, I love you, let's sleep' on repeat ad infinitum.

God, I'd love a man like that.

FleecyMcFleeceFace · 22/10/2022 11:31

It makes me a bit sad for you that you cannot imagine having a close relationship with an animal.

LeMoo · 22/10/2022 11:32

Allow me to enlighten you

www.hungerforwords.com/

Devoutspoken · 22/10/2022 11:33

I agree, Its really odd to prefer dogs to humans, because they can't talk back to you

FlirtyMelons · 22/10/2022 11:33

I'd prefer it if they could talk. I'd love to know why one of them barks so much around people when we're out and how to resolve it. I would also love to speak to my huge puppy to compromise with him about leaving his older 'brother' alone as he's not keen on having his legs bitten when he's trying to snooze!

queenMab99 · 22/10/2022 11:33

My dog's relationship with me is more like a battle of wits, than unconditional love, to be honest. He sometimes showers me with affection, when he knows he has pissed me off. It would be useful if he could talk, then he could explain some of his more annoying behaviour, like hiding his ball at the end of a walk, before he gets back in the car, refusing to come and get his harness and lead on, to the point of hiding under the table, before a walk.

WatchoRulo · 22/10/2022 11:34

I think I'd love my dog more if he could talk (although he's Romanian so I'd be in trouble as I don't speak his language).
But I find the comparisons with humans weird and odious.

newnamethanks · 22/10/2022 11:37

I would have a dog if it spoke its mind. I'm not sure my dog would have me though.

XmasElf10 · 22/10/2022 11:37

Mine does!! You learn to read what he’s saying. Every weekday morning he hops off the bed when the alarm goes and disappears underneath for an extra 10 minutes sleep. He knows there’s no walk or breakfast until the kid is dressed for school. I read that as “call me when you have something for me, slave!”

He has a single woof for attention and will then purposefully look at the item that needs attention. So sometimes he is saying “I want a biscuit, slave!” Sometimes it’s “the bag is in my way, move it slave!”

When it’s walk time he gets excited and circles my feet trying to make me hurry up. When he doesn’t want a walk he turns back round and heads home and there is no reasoning with him (rain is not his thing!)

He displays his wants and needs very clearly. However he also loves me, he shows that just as clearly and that’s pretty non-complicated. I’m his human and he loves me even when I says “only a short walk today, I’m busy!”

OneDayIWillBeOrganised · 22/10/2022 11:37

Dogs can't talk but they can communicate their likes, dislikes, mood etc very well! I understand not everyone likes dogs but they are fantastic companions to many people. I would love it if my dog could speak- I'd ask he why he let's the cat eat his dinner!

BeetFeet · 22/10/2022 11:38

Oh but they do share their opinions with you 😆

Wheelyweddingwipedout · 22/10/2022 11:39

This has reminded me of my favourite Dexter’s Laboratory episode! He invents a way to understand a dog that followed him home. Dexter: a story

Chesneyhawkes1 · 22/10/2022 11:39

I would love my dogs even more if they could talk!

FrangipaniBlue · 22/10/2022 11:40

My dog may not use words but he definitely lets me know (vocally) what's going on in his mind.

Some days he even gets told to STFU 🤣🤣

DahliaMacNamara · 22/10/2022 11:40

Not sure what you mean. Dogs are more articulate and honest than a lot of people.

SpinningFloppa · 22/10/2022 11:41

I hate them either way

MulberryMoon · 22/10/2022 11:42

LeMoo · 22/10/2022 11:32

Allow me to enlighten you

www.hungerforwords.com/

Love that

Rocklobstershell · 22/10/2022 11:43

I’d be more worried about my cat getting the power of speech tbh … then all we would hear is …. ‘Feed me Feed meFeed meFeed meFeed meeeeeee!!!’ on repeat, ad infinitum with maybe a ‘why don’t you lie down on the floor and die so I can eat you?’ added in for good measure! 😄

Ludo19 · 22/10/2022 11:43

I'd love for any animal to talk. I love dogs but I'm a "mum"/slave to cats. I'd mainly like to know if they feel poorly for example or to tell them they're only going to the vets for a booster for example.
I work in a vets, my life would be easier if the animal could talk!