Why I talk to my deaf dog

Yes, I talk to my deaf dog. Often. It doesn't hurt that I already talk a lot in general and have had the habit for years of talking to my cats (they are usually terrible listeners and fall asleep) and mumbling to myself as I work. Also willing to bet some of my family and friends can also attest to my tendency to spilling out as many words as possible.

Now, back to talking to Xena.

I know full well that she can't hear me but I talk to her constantly regardless. Talking is natural during interactions and if I tried to not talk my entire face and body language would change in a not positive manner. When I talk, I smile, I laugh, and convey an entire array of emotions which I'm fairly confident Xena can pick up by visual cues. Trying not to talk would leave me with a stern face which I imagine would leave Xena rather confused especially if she was acting correctly so I will continue to cheer when she does her business outside, say "good dog" when she sits on command, and even tell her how adorable she is even after she steals my slippers and tries to use them as chew toys.