Dogs can definitely understand us.
You know your best friend perks up whenever they hear “walk” or “outside,” and of course, good dogs are trained to respond to lots of commands and perform many tricks, but this Labrador really, truly looks as if she’s carefully considering every word her mama says.
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The video posted to Lexi the Labrador retriever’s YouTube channel showcases Lexi and her mom chatting about a trip to the grocery store for a special treat. Like in many of Lexi’s videos, the beautiful pup is totally locked in on her mom’s every word, turning her head side to side as if letting the words and promises of a treat sink in.
“I was thinking that it’s been a couple of weeks since I gave you one of those collagen sticks that you like,” Lexi’s mom says to her, Lexi looking right into her eyes with excitement.
“So I was gonna go to the store right now, and I was gonna grab a couple of things that we need for the house, and then I was gonna go down that aisle where the collagen sticks were, and I was gonna grab you one,” she continues. “Would you want your mama to bring you back a collagen stick … You gotta be a good girl and wait for me by the door. Is that a deal? Shake on it.”
Of course, Lexi puts her paw out and shakes on it right away. We watch as Lexi’s mom goes to the store and returns, and then cut right to Lexi enjoying said collagen stick like the good and special girl she is.
It really seems like Lexi is right there with her mom on the same page.
“She listens to everything,” one commenter says, “especially ‘collagen sticks!'”
“Her head tilts are the best thing ever,” another fan writes.
“What a great listener,” says a third.
Related: Why Labrador and Golden Retriever Owners Are Switching to This Dog Food
How Well Do Dogs Really Understand Us?
Did you know dogs can actually understand 100-plus words of the human language? Research has shown that specific words, like “sit,” “walk” or “collagen stick,” do absolutely become part of a pet’s learned communication, representing the activity or object being referenced.
Of course, even more than specific words, dogs pick up on the emotional tone and pitch of a voice or conversation, interpreting when they’re being punished or being praised by the sound of your voice, rather than the specific words. Your gestures, body language, facial expressions and other movements also come into play.
So, does Lexi understand every word her mother says? Probably not every word, but the intention and love being poured into the words are recognized wholeheartedly!
Related: Which U.S. Cities Are the ‘Top Dogs’ in Loving Dogs?
This story was originally published by PawNation on Mar 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add PawNation as a Preferred Source by clicking here.