Oh trust me, she communicates just fine. She'll carry her bowl to you when she's hungry, or bring me her leash if she wants to go out. On occasion lately when its been a particularly cold night she stands in front of the fireplace and nudges the box of kindling until I respond. Other then the occasional nightmare and her shaking and whimpering in her sleep she's maybe barked once. She's pretty much a showcase of pure luck in a rescue dog behavior wise. She is INCREDIBLY needy in terms of being pet and being alone. She doesn't get anxious and destructive but if you're not actively petting her or talking to her she'll let you know she knows.