Talk to the Dog

Jumbo joined our family in 2013. I bought him because I needed a companion at home. Long hours of being alone sucked an ounce of sanity out of me. Although dogs could not talk back, they could still respond and express affection.

One day, our youngest brother Sirdan, asked me why I speak to Jumbo in English. I was taken off guard so I replied sardonically. I told him that Jumbo couldn't understand Filipino. It seemed to be a reasonable explanation to him because he affirmed it by stating that Jumbo, being a shih tzu, was Chinese. "Yes and since I don't know how to speak Chinese, I just talk to him in English," I concluded. Our sister bursted into laughter and told him I was only kidding him.

As I'm writing this blog I can't help but wonder what the real reason is for talking to my dog in English. Perhaps the reason lies with his breed. My subliminal desire to train him has triggered that behavior. As far as I know, dog trainers always use English when they teach dogs some tricks. Well, that's just my theory.

If Jumbo  is used to being talked to in English, Sirdan is not. Knowing how beneficial it is to be good at conversing in English, I try to help Sirdan build this skill. Good speakers usually are hired faster, entrusted with leadership roles, and given better opportunities for development. I certainly want him to have a successful future.

When I first spoke to him in English, Sirdan bashfully smiled at me. "Why aren't you talking back to me?" I asked. "Aaah, because, I am shy, I ahhh mistake," he replied. I told him not to worry and that I will just correct his grammar. I reminded him that he needed to practice often if he wanted to improve.

Weeks after, I heard a familiar voice confidently say "I'm going to the store. Do you want to come?" I peeked through the window and saw Sirdan talking to Jumbo. Although his sentences were very simple, I was so proud of him! He spoke with so much confidence which I never witnessed before. Who would have thought that talking to a dog could bring such improvement?

Sirdan enjoyed playing with Jumbo and had no choice but to speak to him in English. Should I refresh your memory about Jumbo's nationality? Ha-ha! He didn't only find a playmate, he also found a non-judgmental buddy he could practice his English with.

At present, my brother still needs guidance and mentoring just like any other child. However, I'm happy to say that he now initiates conversations in English. He's not discouraged when I point out his mistakes. The best part is, he's not afraid to try! If he continues with this positive attitude to learning then I'm sure he'll turn out to be an articulate young man.

So if you're still hesitating about having a dog, may this blog veer you towards getting one. Just be sure that you have the capacity to reciprocate your dog's loyalty and affection with proper love and care. Arf! Arf!