I talk to my dog and I'm not ashamed. Actually, I talk to my cat sometimes, too (although I get no response). Many people probably talk to their pets, but I'm here to say that there's nothing wrong with it! In fact, I encourage it.

Here's the thing, I don't just talk to my dog normally. I don't have deep conversations or explain my thoughts on current events. For some reason, I always, always, always, use baby talk. Ever since my dog was young, I've done it. I can't help it! *In baby talk* He's just so cute and such a good boy... Who's a good boy? You are!..... See my point? It's worse when I'm at college and don't get to see him often.

Let me remind you that my dog is fully grown; old actually. My dog is a Rottweiler mix and is over 10 years old. It's not like I'm calling a small puppy over to me to play and fetch. But it doesn't matter, he knows what I'm saying... right?

There are numerous studies that show that animals understand and can sense emotion in their owner's voice. They can tell when we're sad, excited, angry, or just plain happy by our tone of voice. I'm not surprised by this - our pets love us just as much or more as we love them!

According to National Geographic, "your pet knows when you’re praising them and you actually mean it." In other words, your pet can differentiate between neutral tones and praising tones.

This makes total sense to me. Dogs are smart animals, they aren't oblivious to the world around them. They respond to our feelings and try to make us feel better. Talking to your pet also helps them learn and recognize your voice. So why do some people, including me, use baby talk?

The American Kennel Club explains in an article titled, "Why We "Baby Talk" To Our Dogs", that a rising pitch in our voice and short, sharp phrases capture the dog's attention. The article also goes on to explain more behind why owner baby talk to pets is common: "Simply put, we like it. It makes us feel more authentic, engaged, and effective as caregivers." I completely agree.

Even now, if I try to talk to my dog in the same tone I would to another person, it feels off. Talking to my dog makes me happy and I'm pretty sure it makes him just as happy. Whether you choose to baby talk or talk to your dog for hours about your personal feelings or problems, go ahead! Dogs aren't judgmental and will listen to anything you have to say. They love it. You love it. Everyone is happy.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/08/dogs-kn...

http://www.akc.org/content/entertainment/articles/...