I was down at the beach the other day just messing around with a few of my canine mates.  One of them told us that his “folks” talk to him like he is a baby human.  We all agreed that we know a few human words but that this sort of talk is a bit much!  What do you think? (Patch, Bulldog cross, 5 years, Dalmeny)

Dr Alan:   Patch, when you were a puppy your mum talked to you that way, remember?  For some folks their dog or cat is a little bit like having a young child around.  It does seem a little silly to some people to talk to a grown up bulldog in baby talk, but I’ve caught myself talking to Dash, my five year old Kelpie, in endearing terms.  He responds by talking back with a big grin on his face and a tail wag, sometime he even howls!  At least when the humans are talking like that you dogs know you are not in trouble.