How much English/ human language do they understand

[Roberta]

Last night I had just picked up Da dinnie bowls and realized I had not put his antibiotics in his dinner, so I said to Nick, I've forgotten his tablets , no name was mentioned and  Nick said Olivers  head shot up with the Ghheeee I know what that means. He hates getting them put in his mouth.
I know they say they understand about 100 words, but I still had my head below bench level so he could not see it.
Roberta
ps ollie here, she gave them to me, don't care if they are "chicken flavoured" they are yuck

[doxielady5569128]

I am convinced they understand WAY more than we realize. Too funny that Ollie knew exactly what was being talked about.  We can't use the words, "vet, shot, or nails" without Porky going into a panic. 

[Marcia from MI]

Oh they understand plenty.  Danni will want to play and I'll tell her to get her baby.  She'll bring me one and I'll say no the ice cream one and she'll bring it to me.  She also knows, bed, cookie, move and kiss.  Cookie is her favorite word, but at 3 AM it's not mine.

[sollysmom]

I agree.  I think they know more than most people think.  Way to go Ollie for being such a clever boy.  :thumb:

[peterparker]

I think they also pick up on your tone, objects and gestures. Parker disappears when his towel, and nail clippers appear. Sits in his chair when the toothbrush comes out, and stops his excessive barking when he sees me reach for the water bottle (after I have verbally told him to stop barking). He also lingers outside if he sees be put on my work shoes and coat because he knows he will be confined to the laundry room. I have "walkie" shoes and when I reach for them he grabs his leash and harness. The yard coat means last chance to take care of business outside and then bedtime. He waits for us to eat before he touches his kibble. If I don't come home for dinner and my husband pours his kibble, he waits for me to come home. He lingers in front of his bowl, looks at me confused, and then eventually gobbles it up. When Amber visits (the giant dog) he hides all his toys. Amber doesn't touch his toys, but will chew on a bone that is left unattended. Parker quickly takes it from her, and she doesn't fuss. She is a well behaved dog that Parker bullies. He never stops making me smile at his antics.

[Barb]

I totally agree with everyone - they DO understand ALOT !!!  Sometimes it is selective though....like hmmmm, I no wanna do that...so I will pretend like I don't know what the heck she is saying 

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

LOL I was going to say pretty much what Barb did...they are probably smarter than all of us put together!

[David C.]

Dogs are incredibly observant.  Even the slightest nuances in our speech patterns or gestures they pick up on.   Is it possible Ollie knows tablet?  Probably.   But he may have also been reacting to your query.  You're tone was probably the human equivalent of pricking our ears.