Do our furry canine companions respond to certain words more than others? Do our dogs have words they absolutely love to hear? According to new research, it is really easy to fill your furry friend with joy by simply uttering a few common phrases.
Experts at OnBuy.com conducted a three-month study to compile the list. First researchers surveyed 4389 pet (dog) owners to create a list of words and phrases dogs most love to hear. Next they analyzed the heart rates of 60 dogs of varying breeds, sizes and ages after speaking said words/phrases.
Before unveiling the winners, it is important to note that the study also revealed the words and phrases dogs love least including, “roll over,” “speak,” “paw,” “come on then,” and “shall we go home?” Interestingly, these words/phrases also happen to be commands as opposed to words that promise a reward of some kind. Subsequently, the breeds in the study that got most excited by “happy” words were Beagles, Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, Labrador Retrievers and Rottweilers.
And the winners are…
1. Walkie
2. Dinner/food/eat
3. Treat
4. Get it
5. Fetch
Taking into account that the average resting heartrate across breeds and sizes (faster for smaller breeds and slower for larger breeds) is 115 beats per minute (BPM), “walkies” yielded an average heart rate of 156 BPM (a 36% increase). The second place words of “dinner,” “food,” and “eat,” showed an average heart rate of 152 BPM (a 32% increase). Finally, the third place word “treat” created an average heart rate in the pooches of 151 BPM (a 31% increase).
This article was adapted from a story in Southern Living by author Meghan Overdeep titled “New Study Reveals the Words Dogs Love to Hear the Most.”
