What Do Dogs Understand?

What do dogs really understand when it comes to conversation? According to experts, only one or two word commands. I'm not so sure. Many years ago, my family owned a rescue dog named Glnger. She was a German shepherd mix; and probably a victim of some mistreatment. She liked women and was very protective of those to whom she became attached, but distrustful of men and, at first, fearful of some instructions. We formed our bond over a brief discussion about coming when called. She was in the yard, I called her and she sort of cowered instead of obeying. She didn't run away and she didn't resist when I took her by the collar and led her forward. While leading her, I explained I only wanted her to come to me when I called her; I wasn't mad at her, I wasn't going to hurt her, I just wanted her to come to me. After that conversation, she always came when she was called, without exception. Wordy as it was, she got the message.

Today, I have a neighbor named Nancy; an elderly woman with a walker and a spirited Border collie mix named Satin or Silk. Satin (as she's known to her friends) got her name as a puppy; her fur was satiny or silky soft and Nancy couldn't decide which name she liked more and picked both. When Satin's fur is trimmed and short, it is returned to its puppy-like state; between haircuts her fur is shaggy and heavy. Nancy lives alone and Satin does not heel; when the dog needs to take a trip to the vet or dog groomer Nancy needs a dog walker - that's me. Recently Satin was in her backyard where she had the misfortune of getting numerous burrs in her untrimmed fur. Nancy tried to remove them, but when Satin objected too strenuously she gave up. Satin removed most of the burrs herself. Nancy decided a visit to the dog groomer was necessary; during the drive, while I sat in the back seat with Satin, Nancy told me about the burrs. While i listened to the story, I petted the dog, she laid on the car seat looking up at me with the saddest look I have ever seen in a dog's eyes, working it for all the sympathy she could get. Did she understand this sad tale was all about her - I'm sure she did.