While dogs can't understand our language, they can interpret the tone of our voice. Many owners use deeper voices when disciplining their pets, and high-pitched tones when making a fuss over them. But one woman has been forced to change her accent altogether when speaking to her cousin's dog because it simply doesn't understand her otherwise.
Stephanie Jimenez, from the Philippines, was staying with her cousin in Australia when she decided to help out with some of the daily chores. She took their maltipoo cross out for a walk - but quickly realised the language barrier between them. In a TikTok video, Stephanie is heard telling the dog, named Chanel, to move on during their walk in her natural accent.
Chanel completely ignores her until she tries saying the same thing in an Australian accent. As soon as she hears it, she jumps right into action and continues on their walk.
Stephanie told the Mirror: "My accent is closer to having an American accent rather than an Australian one.
"It just so happens that there are times when she can't understand what I'm saying since I don't have an Australian accent."
Her video, which has been viewed more than 4.1 million times, has racked in about 870,000 likes and 3,600 comments, with users sharing their love for Chanel.
One user said: "This made my day. She is really an Aussie dog."
Another user added: "I need to know if Chanel only responds to 'nauuurrr' instead of 'no'. We need a part two please."
A third user said: "Let's gaurrrrrr."
While they still have their moments, Stephanie believes Chanel is slowly picking up her natural accent now she has heard it a few more times.
But Chanel isn't the only dog who hasn't been able to understand an unfamiliar accent as an ex-racing greyhound sent his owner into a panic when he wouldn't respond to commands.
An English-speaking woman claimed her rescue dog couldn't understand her accent, making training extremely difficult.
Admitting to putting on a fake Ozzy accent in front of her dog, she joked she can't keep 'living this lie'.
Speaking to Reddit, the woman said: "I’m pretty sure he can’t understand my accent. He wasn’t coming to me when I called his name for the first few days, but would respond to my Australian housemates when they called him.
"The main thing I’m struggling with is training him to lay down. I think he already knows the words, but can’t understand me so I feel like I’m starting from square one.
"He isn’t food motivated or maybe I just haven’t found a food that he loves yet. It’s really confusing for me because I grew up raising beagles.
"The whole thing is really stressing me out because even though he’s the most gentle and well-behaved dog I’ve ever had, people are afraid of him out in public, especially kids.
"It’s really important to me that he learns this as soon as possible. I don’t want to put on a fake accent for the rest of his life."
Do you have a strange dog story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.
