Researchers at the University of Michigan are using automated speech recognition technology to decode the meaning behind a dog's bark, identifying whether it's playful or angry, and potentially its age, gender, and breed. By repurposing computer models trained on human speech, the scientists achieved 70% accuracy in understanding canine communication. This breakthrough could revolutionize animal welfare by improving humans' ability to interpret and respond to animals' emotional and physical needs. The study's findings suggest that techniques developed for human speech can be used to analyze and understand other sounds, including animal vocalizations.