I have recognised that my dog understands the way that I say something…. not necessarily comprehending the word.
This was confirmed to me as follows:
When he has been a good boy and is about to get a treat, I say “Ah would you like? Ah would you like, a tasty treat?” (I know, I’m a total dork) But I say it in a tone and way that I am unable to replicate via text of course but imagine me saying it like an absolute idiot.
Anyway, if I was to simply say “Ah would you like…” he doesn’t recognise it as being the same because it isn’t being said in the way that he knows it. Tone seems to be a much more effective tool than language to a dog IMO.