If you’ve ever wished your dog could speak, then today might just be your lucky day. The innovative concept of dog talking buttons, pioneered by enthusiasts like Alexis Devine and speech therapist Christina Hunger, is reshaping the way we communicate with our canine friends. These buttons enable dogs to express their needs and thoughts using human language, fostering a deeper understanding and connection between dogs and their owners.
A Brief History of Dog-Talking Buttons
When speech language pathologist Christina Hunger adopted her dog, Stella, she was inspired to use her professional experience with alternative and augmented communication devices (A.A.C devices), to see if she could teach her own dog to speak. She ordered some inexpensive recordable buttons back in 2019 and began with the word, ‘Outside,’ and eventually created the first version of a sound board with sound buttons.
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Hunger shared Stella’s progress on social media, and attention grew worldwide, inspiring more dog owners to venture into training their own dogs to speak, and encouraging scientists to take the study of dog’s capacity for language-like abilities more systematically.
Needless to say, the popularity of using recordable sound buttons for dogs has grown ever since, with countless speech buttons and accessories to choose from. Another popular dog online that uses speech buttons is the adorable Sheepadoodle, Bunny:
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The Basics of Dog Communication Buttons
Dog talking buttons are simple yet ingenious devices that enable dogs to communicate using human language. By pressing buttons that emit recorded words, dogs can express their basic needs, desires, and even emotions. Understanding your dog’s current communication patterns is crucial in integrating these buttons effectively into their daily routine.
FluentPet, the original developer of A.A.C. buttons specifically designed for dogs has a great guide to getting started with talking buttons for pet owners. Here’s a great tip they have on picking your first button words:
And more insights into helping your dog learn to speak with buttons:
Key Features to Look For
When selecting the best dog talking buttons, consider the following:
1. Different Words and Colors: Opt for sets that offer a variety of word icons and images and distinct colors to help your dog differentiate between the buttons.
2. Sound Quality and Durability: High-quality sound and durable materials are essential for withstanding daily use. Make note of whether your buttons come with batteries, as well.
3. Durable Floor Mats: To keep your buttons together in one place, consider using quality floor mats. Many buttons also have the option to add mats designed specifically for them.
Training Your Dog with Talking Buttons
Training your dog to use these buttons requires patience and positive reinforcement. Tailor the training to suit your dog’s breed and temperament. For example, small breeds may need buttons with a lower profile, while larger breeds like the Border Collie might benefit from a more extensive setup.
Here are some great tips from the dog mom who trained the famous Bunny:
Our Top Picks for Talking Dog Buttons
Although we haven’t had the pleasure of training our own dogs with talking buttons just yet, we’ve scoured the web for the best word buttons to use with your dog, taking both expert and buyer insights into account.
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1. Hunger For Words Talking Pet Starter Set
Designed by the speech-language pathologist who taught the first dog how to speak with buttons, these programmable buttons allow you to pick your own four words to get started with training your dog. Each plastic button requires 2 AAA batteries which aren’t included, but the set does come with a training guide. Check out Hunger for Words Goal Tracker to help you as you train. They also have their own button mats specifically designed for their buttons.
Buyer Review:
“My dog used to whine all the time ask for things, but I could figure out what she needed. It was frustrating for both of us, and she alway ended up redirected her anger by destroying whatever plastic things on the floor. After I trained her with this bottoms, she felt she got heard, and no more frustrations and anger redirections. She now can clearly tell me when she needs treat, go potty, play or ‘I love you’.”
2. FluentPet Get Started Kit
The first AAC devices designed specifically for pets, the FluentPet System is a little more expensive (around $80), but it comes with 6 recordable buttons and three HexTiles, along with their starter guide. They also come with preinstalled batteries, so you’ve got everything you need to start as soon as it arrives on your doorstep.
Buyer Review:
“These buttons have held up with repeated use of both my dog and grandkids! My dog quickly caught on to their use. My favorite one that I recorded is ‘Love you’ and I repeat back, ‘Love you, too!’ They are easy to use in recording your voice. I believe the company has modified them so that the speaker is located on the top so they have more volume. So, check out the new and improved version! In the meantime, when my dog presses ‘Play’…I’m tossing his elephant for a game of catch! I will definitely order more!”
3. MEWOOFUN Dog Buttons Starter Pack
If you’re looking for buttons that are a little more aesthetically pleasing and that function well, give these rounded edge square buttons in different colors a try. This starter set also comes with its own non-slip mat for the buttons to attach to. If you think you will want to train your dog to learn more than just four words, you can easily add on on of their additional packs that also come with mats. You will need to purchase 2 AAA batteries for each button.
Buyer Review:
“The voice recording process is easy, volume is loud enough, buttons are easy to press, buttons are a good size (not too small and not too big), comes with stickers, buttons can attach to pad or be used on its own (there is rubber on the bottom if you don’t add the padding so they can stay in place on hardwood floor), and dog already started pressing one that I recorded “potty” on to go to the backyard. So far works great, and my dog already pressed one button twice to go into the backyard. I’d recommend these because they work perfectly for the price compared to other brands.”
4. Pre-Recorded Button Kit by Hunger For Words
If you’re looking for buttons that you don’t have to worry about having to ever reset, these pre-recorded buttons have you covered. The words they come with include walk, play, water, outside, eat, and love you. 2 AAA batteries for each button sold separately.
Buyer Review:
“I got these for my 9-month old American Stafford shire Terrier. She’s very skittish and was afraid of the buttons at first. After some practice using “touch”, she became comfortable and used the buttons nearly immediately. The buttons are solid, loud, and the perfect size for the dog. After some use, I’m removing some buttons and look forward to adding some more practical (for us) buttons. Can’t recommend enough! As a bonus – I didn’t realize how much she wants fresh water. Whenever her bowl is half empty and sat for a while, she uses her button and gulps down fresh water.”
5. Rechargeable Goplemo Dog Buttons
After finding so many dog buttons that required disposable batteries, we were determined to find a rechargeable option for you. These ones from Goplemo come in both rechargeable and non-rechargeable versions, so be mindful of which ones you’re ordering. They also come with a set of 35 stickers to choose from so you can customize your buttons.
Buyer Review:
“The price couldn’t be beat and it lived up to the review hype. They are easy to use and allow me to do what I need to do, which is to better communicate with my pets. Even my cat is picking up on its ease of use! I would highly recommend this product based on my experience.”
The Future of Dog Communication
The field of pet communication is rapidly evolving, with new products and training methods continually emerging. Research at institutions like UC San Diego is ongoing, shedding light on the myriad ways dogs can communicate with us.
Dog talking buttons open up a new dimension in understanding and interacting with our canine companions. They are not just a tool but a gateway to a deeper connection with your furry best friend.
Author: Amy Lynn
Amy is the founder of The Dog Guide, and was inspired to start the first one right here in San Antonio after adopting her first dog. In addition to being a dog mom to Texas and Terry, she's also a mom of four, and has lived in San Antonio for over 25 years.
