However, the relationship between signifier and signified is not a complete one. For instance, for the signifier dog, the image that comes to mind is not that of an Irish setter bounding down a corridor, instead what comes to mind is the concept of a dog. The Irish setter is the next stage in the chain, it is the referent. When you say to some one, there is a dog behind you, all you now is that a dog is behind you, you do not know whether it is about to attack you or try and lick your hand. You need extra information, either from your companion or from your own senses. It is only then that you know what the referent.