7 words that make dogs feel closer to you, according to experts

As a dog mom or dad, there's nothing you wouldn't do to make your relationship with them as tight as it can be. While most people might think the best way to connect with their dog is through big rewards, grand gestures aren’t the only way to strengthen the bond between dogs and their humans. In fact, experts say the small, everyday interactions you share often matter most, especially the things your dog hears from you again and again. So what words do dogs love the most? We rounded up 7 words that make your dog feel closer with you, according to experts.

While dogs don’t understand language the same way people do, they can become experts at connecting certain terms with experiences, emotions and outcomes. When those words are consistently paired with something positive, they can help your dog feel safer, more loved and therefore more connected to you. That's why if you're curious how you can build trust with your dog and how you can get your dog to like you, you might want to add some of these phrases into your conversations with your pup.

Here are seven words experts say can help strengthen your relationship with your dog. You may be surprised at how simple they are. Once you start to use them, you can then see how your dog's behavior toward you has warmed up.

Related: 5 Words That Feel Like Praise to Dogs, According to a Trainer

7 Words That Make Dogs Feel Closer to You, According to Experts

Remember, dogs don't fall in love with just any words, they fall in love with what those words come to mean. When your cues consistently lead to praise, play, safety, or connection, your dog learns to trust not just the words themselves, but the person saying them.

"Your Dog’s Name"

Nothing in a dog's life carries more emotional weight than their own name. When used with warmth and consistency, it becomes one of the strongest signals of connection and trust. When your dog hears their name and immediately looks to you, it's often because they've learned that your voice brings attention, affection, or something positive.

“A dog's name should always mean something positive is coming, like attention, play or a cue they enjoy,” says Molly Jespersen, training specialist at Camp Bow Wow. “When owners say their dog’s name, their dog begins to associate it with good things, and the name itself then becomes a human-dog bonding anchor.”

When you notice them responding to their name during distractions, it's a sign your have a good relationship because it brings their focus back to you and reminds them that the person calling their name is someone they trust.

“Dogs bond with words and behaviors that are predictive signals,” Siegfried says. “A word becomes important because it consistently leads to something the nervous system loves: clarity, freedom, play, connection, safety or relief. The relationship isn't built on the sound. It’s built on whether your dog can predict and trust what comes next.”

"Good"

There are several ways your dog can become emotionally attacted to you. A simple, well-timed “good” is one as it helps your dog feel understood and encourages them to keep looking to you for guidance. After all, every dog wants to know when they've made the right choice by someone they love.

“When you say ‘good’ in a warm, sincere tone at the exact moment your dog does something right, you’re communicating in a language they understand,” Jespersen explains.

If your dog sits politely or walks gently without pulling at their leash, hearing “good” lets them know they’re making the right choice.

Over time, that single word becomes a bridge. “Your dog learns that being near you, listening to you and engaging with you leads to something that feels safe and affirming,” she explains.

"Come"

When taught properly, "come" becomes one of the most trust-building words your dog can hear. Rather than feeling like they're about to lose their freedom, dogs should learn that coming to you always leads to something positive.

“The problem is that too many dogs hear ‘come,’ followed by something neutral or negative, like a bath or the end of playtime, which erodes trust over time,” Jespersen notes. “When you make a point of calling your dog to you and always following it with something positive like praise, a reward or a moment of connection, that word becomes one of the most bonding cues in your toolkit.”

When your dog happily comes running every time you call, it reflects a relationship built on trust instead of obligation.

Related: We Asked 3 Dog Trainers What Your Dog’s “Bad” Behavior Means—and They All Said the Same Thing

"Walk"

Few words generate as much excitement as “walk,” and that’s because it represents a shared experience. For your dog, a walk is about much more than exercise. It's one of the easiest ways to connect, communicate, and create happy memories together.

“A walk isn’t just exercise, but a time your dog gets to explore the world with you beside them,” Jespersen reveals. “Every sniff, new sound and new block you cover together builds a shared history between you and your dog.”

When your dog’s ears perk up or tail starts wagging the moment they hear “walk,” they’re showing excitement about spending that time with you. It might be a simple adventure, but it’s a shared experience that strengthens your relationship every time you head out together.

"Treat"

A treat isn’t just a snack, it’s a way to show your dog that good things happen when they listen and engage with you. Over time, those positive experiences can help your dog associate your presence with trust, encouragement, and connection.

“When you use treats consistently and fairly during positive-reinforcement training, your dog begins to associate your voice, hands and presence with something good,” Jespersen says.

Dogs who are trained with reward-based methods don’t just learn commands faster but also seek eye contact, pay closer attention to their owners and actively choose to engage.

“‘Treat’ is the word that starts building that loop,” Jespersen adds.

"Yes"

Dogs feel closest to people who they understand. Clear communication helps them feel more confident because they aren’t left guessing, which makes it easier for them to trust you and enjoy learning together.

“Yes” serves as what’s known as a marker word, telling your dog they’ve done exactly what you wanted at the precise moment they did it.

“‘Yes’ is a release. It means, ‘You got it. Go get paid,’” says Leigh Siegfried, founder at Opportunity Barks. “Whether that's food, a toy or access to something the dog wants, ‘yes’ marks success and builds enthusiasm.”

Over time, dogs become excited to hear the word because they know they’ve succeeded.

"Enough"

Believe it or not, this is actually a word that can help your dog feel closer to you and improve communication between you. After all, dogs spend much of their day following cues and expectations, they also need permission to simply relax. An “enough” or “all done” cue helps your dog understand when it’s time to stop working and just be themselves.

“This might be my favorite word in dog training,” Siegfried says. “It means the job is over. Go sniff or roll in the grass, basically go be a dog.”

Giving your dog that clarity builds trust. When they know you’ll communicate what’s expected and when it’s time to unwind, they feel more secure with you, strengthening the bond you share.

Sources:

Molly Jespersen, training specialist at Camp Bow Wow

Leigh Siegfried, founder at Opportunity Barks