Our dogs, I’m sure, think that we talk too much and say too little. My advice to dog owners is that when you cannot improve on silence, be quiet.

The function of communication is to achieve or maintain any desired outcome. Communication—information, instruction, persuasion, control, motivation, emotional release, and information—is all about change. If we don’t want anything in particular, the best we can do is to keep silent.

Communication happens through signals with different forms, e.g., sound (verbal and non-verbal), body language, facial expression, eye contact, smell, and touch. All organisms communicate: animals, plants, fungi, and even bacteria.

Talking is our primary means of communication because we have developed complex language systems, which is a unique characteristic of our species’ brain. Other animals also communicate, though their methods are supposedly less sophisticated than ours. In addition to speaking to influence or maintain the behavior of others, we also engage in casual conversations, social chatter, and gossip. However, cozy talk is not always as pleasant as it sounds, and social conversations often veer into anti-social territory more than we might like to admit.

Language is a valuable tool for fostering understanding; and it is also the ideal tool to create misunderstanding. Very often, we would be better off remaining silent.

Dogs don’t care for idle chatter or social niceties. They aren’t particularly interested in gossip or emotional outbursts either. Dogs are pragmatic—it’s a “if you don’t bother me and I don’t bother you, all is good.” Dogs are connoisseurs of silence. Instead of excessive talking, I believe your dog would value a loving glance or a simple soothing gesture much more. So, remember: if you don’t have anything important to say to your dog, keep silent.

Have a quiet, peaceful, and beautiful day!