Dogs can learn new words just by overhearing human conversations, a study has found. Many dog owners find they have to avoid saying certain words – such as walk, park or treat – because they trigger an excited reaction in the animal.

Gifted word learner dogs seem capable of eavesdropping about as well as 18-month-old toddlers, the study researchers say.

Toddlers can pick up new words just by overhearing conversations. Now, new research suggests that some intelligent dogs can expand their vocabulary in just the same way.

Spelling F-O-O-D or O-U-T might only get you so far around your dog if he or she is considered a Gifted Word Learner (GWL). Researchers have just figured out that even when you're not talking to them directly,

K?" Both parents and dog owners know that some words should not be spoken, but only spelled, to prevent small ears from eavesdropping on the conversation. At the age of 1.5 years, toddlers can already learn new words by overhearing other people.