Dogs Actually Like It When You Talk to Them in a Baby Voice, Study Says

I am one of those people who has no idea how to interact with a baby. They’re lovely, but I just don’t possess the innate ability to hold them without it being horribly awkward for both of us — and most importantly, I have zero clue what to say to them or how to say it.  

Why, then, have I always known how to greet a dog? With zero self-consciousness, I have always approached dogs and said hello with what can only be described as unbridled enthusiasm and a singsong voice. I use the same baby talk that I should feel comfortable using with an actual human infant but don’t.   

Do dogs enjoy baby talk? 

As it turns out, dogs not only enjoy the voice I use to talk to them, but science has shown their brains respond positively to it. A study from 2018 found that dogs preferred “dog-directed speech” (basically, a fancy way of saying “baby talk for dogs”) when it’s paired with “dog-related content.” In other words, they like when we coo at them while we give them treats, walks, or those good belly rubs.

A 2023 study using MRIs also found that the voices we use really do have an effect on how pups respond to us. In the study, dogs’ brains responded more to “infant-directed speech” or “dog-directed speech” — again, just fancy words for baby talk. This was especially true when the person doing the voice sounded female (suggesting that a high pitch is important).  

This makes perfect sense to veterinarian Dr. Krista Williams at the Bay Cities VCA Animal Hospital, in Burlington, Ontario, Canada who notes that dogs respond to certain tones and the intonation of our voice. “When it comes to communicating with our dogs, it’s more about how things are said, versus the words we actually say,” Williams says. “Dogs often interpret a singsong tone as an invitation to play and may respond by wagging their tail or doing a play bow.” 

Are there any benefits to using baby talk?

Obviously, there are pet parents out there who don’t use baby talk — and their dogs are probably perfectly happy creatures. But baby talk does have its benefits (apparently, cats love it, too), and it could actually signal to a dog that you’re on their side. “It comes off to them as cheerful or that you approve of their actions,” Williams says. 

Veterinarian Dr. Bethany Hsia, founder of CodaPet, uses baby talk with her own two pups, and the enthusiastic tail wags and very intentional listening don’t go unnoticed. “Baby talk can capture a dog’s attention because it mimics the sounds associated with positive social interactions, signaling affection and engagement,” Dr. Hsia says.

In other words, it suggests to your dog that you think they’re doing a great job — and that you’re encouraging them to keep doing what they’re doing. What’s more, it strengthens your relationship with your canine bestie. “The main benefit is that when we speak to our dogs, it helps build our bond with them and improves our ability to communicate with each other,” Williams says. 

So, if your dog was uncertain if it was OK to jump up on the sofa, and you responded in a singsong voice as you were telling them to get off, they’d feel reassured that what they just did was kosher with you (even if it wasn’t). “When we use a lower pitch or volume, for example, dogs may interpret this as us expressing disappointment in their behavior,” Williams adds. So, in the case of a couch-jump, you’d want to keep your voice in the baritone range, or you know, something adjacent to that.

But if you’re having a particularly lengthy conversation with your dog (as we all do from time to time), baby talk is the way to go if you want to keep them engaged. “Studies have shown that dogs spend more time looking at and interacting with the speaker using baby talk, especially when the content is relevant to them, such as [when you are] discussing treats or walks,” Hsia says.  

Is baby talk ever harmful?

Cooing to your canine kiddo is generally harmless, but there are a couple of instances where you should avoid it. Obviously, if your dog is doing something they shouldn’t be — like gnawing on a bar of toxic chocolate — you’ll want to put the brakes on the baby talk. 

“If you need your dog to stop a behavior that would be dangerous for them, such as crossing a busy road or eating something that could be poisonous, using a strong, lower-pitched voice is recommended in those instances, as they will be more likely to stop the behavior,” Williams says. 

You should also be careful with baby talk during training. Training should always use positive reinforcement, and baby talk (along with a special treat) could be a positive means of telling your dog what they’re doing right. But veterinarian Dr. Mariam Ferrer notes that using baby talk the wrong way during training could send your dog the wrong message. Overusing a high-pitched voice without consistency “might lead to confusion,” Ferrer says, particularly when you’re trying to teach your dog cues.  

For example, using the “sit” cue in a singsong voice might be a bit confusing for your pup. But using clear cues and then offering positive reinforcement in a singsong voice could encourage their smart behavior.  

How else can you communicate with your pup? 

It’s important to note that speaking in a singsong voice isn’t the only way to keep the lines of communication open with your dog. Williams notes that one of the best ways to connect with them is to understand their body language. “This will allow you to be your dog’s best advocate,” she says.   

Charts that explain dog body language and behavior can be helpful, especially for pet parents who aren’t familiar with some essential signs. You might not realize, for example, that yawning can mean anxiety and panting can mean your dog’s in pain. Knowing a bit about the science of why your pup is acting a certain way helps the two of you bond even more.

Interestingly, there’s one big difference between the way we speak to dogs and babies: While we use the same voice pitch with both, this 2024 study says we don’t make the same overly expressive faces with dogs that we do when we speak gibberish to babies.

Honestly, that’s probably for the best; our patient pups put up with enough.