Scientists in Hungary studying dogs and their brain function compared to humans have come to several conclusions, one of which is that dogs understand at least some of what humans say to them. All, or nearly all, dog owners have been convinced for years that affectionately calling them “dumb dogs’’ is far from the truth.

We all know they are capable of learning simple one-word commands, such as sit, stay, come, shake, speak and scores of other phrases, and many of us are aware from personal experience that they can learn just about anything you want to teach them.If you’re a dog owner, or at least a dog lover, you already believe their brain is capable of amazing accomplishments. They’ve proven it time and again. They even know how to play on your sympathy. 

We’ve long believed that dogs understand much of what you say even when you’re not directly addressing them, eye to eye. When we were growing up, our mother used to “talk’’ to our dog and give him directions or commands without ever raising her voice, or with no outside indication she was talking to him: “For heaven’s sake, Mickey, get out from underfoot and go under the table.’’ He always heard her, obviously understood, and moved in keeping with her request. She treated him just like one of the family — no special instructions or commands, just normal conversation. It worked.

Most of the world is beginning to accept the fact that dogs and many other animals are capable of comprehending more than we’ve ever thought possible and as a result we’re paying more and more attention to animal abuse of any kind. Gone are the days of looking the other way and minding our own business.

Here in the United States,an estimated 78.2 million families, or 39 percent of our households, own a dog, some more than one, and most pet owners will admit that their dog pretty much gets what it wants.On a recent TV game show contestants were asked how they thought folks who had been polled had responded when asked if they died and were reincarnated, what they would like to be. The number one answer: A dog. Why not? We spoil our animals, and have a great time doing it.We’re even willing to incur medical expenses far beyond our budgets, because our pets are integral members of our family. Do you remember the former nighttime talk show host who didn’t really care what his wife wanted in their divorce settlement as long as it didn’t include the dog? The custody battle was carried out in the courts.

The recent floods in Louisiana and Hurricane Hermine this past week saddened pet owners everywhere who watched as animal rescue personnel talked about the monumental task of trying to match pets with their owners. In cases where it is impossible to get the pets back home, we hope Maine is one of the states providing adoptive families for some them.

We’re pleased scientists are continuing to research the brains of dogs and confirm what we’ve always believed: They understand a lot more than we give them credit for — even when they choose on purpose to ignore us! Perhaps, like some humans, they have selective hearing.