It has been three years since we have moved from Germany to the United States, and one of the most common questions I hear is: “Does Timber understand both languages?”
The answer is simple: yes. Timber responds to both German and English. But the truth goes deeper—he also speaks the universal language of dogs.
Many people assume dogs only respond to words, but words are only a small piece of the puzzle. What Timber truly understands is energy, tone, and intention. When I say “Sitz” or “Sit”, it is not the specific word that matters most, but the calm, clear energy behind it. Dogs are masters of reading body language, subtle gestures, and the emotional state of those around them.
Living in two countries and hearing two languages hasn’t confused Timber. Instead, it has reinforced what I’ve come to realize: dogs are multilingual by nature. They are fluent in observing us—the way we move, the tone of our voices, the energy we carry. Words are just cues, but our presence is the message.
Timber teaches me every day that communication is less about language and more about connection. If we learn to be intentional, calm, and consistent, we open the door to a much deeper relationship.
In the end, Timber doesn’t just speak German or English. He speaks the timeless language of trust, energy, and understanding. And perhaps that’s the language we humans should practice more often too.
