by Jane Coryell

Created on: November 01, 2008   Last Updated: November 24, 2008

He sits at your feet, staring at you with those brown eyes, moving from side to side, as if to say, "Hey, I sure do appreciate you!"

Your dog, man's best friend. If only they could talk. But when you think about it, they sure do have their own way of talking. All we have to do is listen. Their thoughts are many and they communicate them to us in many ways. They can project their thoughts through sound, voice, touch, eye contact and body language.

Their eyes tell us what they are thinking in the way they make certain expressions. While sitting on the floor beside us, they watch us as we get up from our chair, watching our every move, as if to say, "Where are you going?" Or when your eyes meet with theirs, and you are staring at each other, they seem to be thinking, "What can I do to please you?"

The tone of our voices can confirm specific thoughts that are probably running through their minds. Calling out "bad boy" can trigger a negative thought or praising them by saying "good boy" can project thoughts of joyfulness and tail-wagging bliss. Calling out their name sends a message to them that they are wanted or they get to join us on a walk displaying thoughts of happiness.

Loud noises or sudden movement can invoke thoughts of fear which would be revealed through whimpering or cowering. Their thoughts, transferred into actions, say they are frightened and need reassurance from their master.

Touch can be very insightful into a dog's thoughts. When you give them a belly rub, they are in an almost euphoric state, creating the thought of true happiness and contentment. Spanking will evoke a thought of "Uh oh, I did something wrong!" Then there is the rough and tough touch of wrestling which signals a thought of "Oh boy, it's playtime!"

And don't ignore body language. A picture is worth a thousand words, or thoughts! Running produces thoughts of energy and playfulness, stretching and laying on your lap means it's time to be loved, and wagging that little, or big, tail means thoughts of extreme bliss.

What is your dog thinking? Just look and listen!

Learn more about this author, Jane Coryell.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.