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Dog Talking Buttons: How I Taught My Dog to Talk (FluentPet Guide)
Updated: Sep 29
Ever wished your dog could just tell you what he wants? That's exactly why I started using dog talking buttons with my dog, Widget.
Widget is my goofy Mini American Shepherd. With a few FluentPet buttons and lots of patience, he now asks for walks, play, and scritches himself.
Seriously, it's like unlocking a secret level of dog parenting.
In this guide, I'll share:
What dog talking buttons are (and if they actually work)
How I taught Widget to use his first buttons, step by step
The best first words to start with
Our current FluentPet board setup
Common mistakes and how to fix them
Where to buy FluentPet (plus my 12% off discount code)
💡 Thinking about trying button communication with your pet? You can grab FluentPet here with my discount code or shop on Amazon here.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I truly use and love with Widget!
Why I Wanted to Teach My Dog to Talk With Buttons
I first discovered dog buttons thanks to my friend @baconthedoggers on Instagram. Bacon (the stylish Toronto pup!) uses his FluentPet buttons to ask for an outfit change. How cute is that? 😂
That got me thinking. If Bacon can demand a new shirt, what would Widget say if he had the chance?
And just like that, I fell down the pet button rabbit hole. Cue a 3am hyperfixation on a random Thursday. If that sounds familiar, you might like my post on creating a cozy home with pets when you have ADHD.
What Are Dog Talking Buttons?
Dog talking buttons are small recordable buttons that play a word when pressed. You record words like "outside" or "play," then press them before doing that activity.
Over time, your dog learns that each sound leads to something predictable. Eventually, they start pressing the buttons themselves to ask for it.
You'll also see them called dog communication buttons, dog speech buttons, or a dog soundboard. Same idea, different names!
Do Dog Buttons Actually Work? What the Science Says
Short answer: yes, with realistic expectations.
Researchers at UC San Diego run the largest ongoing study of button-trained pets. In 2024, they published two big findings:
Dogs understand the words themselves. In a study of 59 dogs, dogs responded to "play" and "outside" correctly no matter who pressed the button. That included total strangers!
Dogs press buttons on purpose. A second study of 152 dogs tracked over 260,000 button presses. Dogs used combos like "outside" + "potty" far more often than random chance predicts.
The most-used words? "Outside," "treat," "play," and "potty." No surprise there, am I right?
Is it full-blown human language? Probably not. But the peer-reviewed research in PLOS ONE shows it's a real way for dogs to share their needs.
Why I Chose FluentPet Buttons
There are lots of recordable dog buttons out there. FluentPet stood out because Bacon sent us a couple to try before we committed.
Here's what sold me:
Clear, high-quality sound. Dogs need distinct audio cues to recognize words.
Modular hexagon design. You can expand your board as your dog learns more words.
Super durable. Built for excited paws or, in Widget's case, dirty nose boops.
Cheaper buttons can work if you just want to test the idea. But if you want a board that grows with your dog, a proper system is worth it.
Thinking about trying them with your dog (or cat)? Save 12% on orders of $50+ with my FluentPet discount code COZYCREW, or check them out on Amazon.
How to Teach Your Dog to Use Buttons (Step by Step)
When Widget's first buttons arrived, I had no idea where to put them. I wanted him to actually use them, not ignore them like fancy floor decor.
So I had to be intentional. Here's exactly what I did.
Step 1: Pick One or Two First Words
Don't overwhelm your dog with a million buttons on day one. I started with just two:
"Outside." Widget already ran to the door when he wanted out, so this felt like an easy win.
"Play." It's easy to pair with grabbing a toy or throwing a ball.
Step 2: Put Each Button Where the Action Happens
Placement matters so much with dog talking buttons. A random spot makes it harder for your dog to connect the dots.
I put "Outside" near the door and "Play" right next to his toy basket.
Step 3: Model the Word Every Single Time
Every time we went outside, I pressed the button and said "Outside!" before opening the door. Same with "Play" before grabbing a toy.
This is called modelling, and it's the most important step. The AKC's button training guide also recommends starting with activities your dog already loves.
Step 4: Celebrate Every Sniff and Paw
At first, Widget just stared at the buttons like, "...Okay???"
But whenever he sniffed or pawed at one, I did a happy dance and followed through. A few of his favourite Canadian-made treats didn't hurt either. 10/10 good boy, Widget.
Step 5: Add New Words Slowly
Once your dog presses a button with purpose, add one new word at a time. Give each word a week or two before adding the next.
Pro tip: If your dog isn't into their dog buttons right away, don't stress! Some dogs take days, others take weeks. Keep modelling, reward any interest, and let them learn at their own pace.
Want to go deeper? Here's FluentPet's complete introduction to button communication.
Best First Words for Dog Communication Buttons
The best first words are ones your dog already understands in daily life. Great starter words include:
Outside or Potty
Play
Walk
Treat or Food
Water
Pick words tied to things your dog already gets excited about. That excitement makes the connection click faster.
Our FluentPet Dog Communication Board Setup
Once Widget got the hang of a couple of buttons, it was time to expand his vocabulary.
Here's what Widget's FluentPet board looks like now:
Our sound board setup. It's simple, and doesn't take up my entire living room...yet.
People & Pets: Mommy, Daddy, Krystah (my best friend), Grandma, Olive
Feelings & Needs: Love you, Help, Scritches
Actions & Commands: Walk, Come, Play
Toys & Comfort: Ball, Toy, Blanket, Kong
Places: Office, Outside, Bed
If you care about pet gear blending into your decor, check out the modern cat furniture my cats love. Same energy: functional, but cute.
Common Dog Button Training Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
Training with dog buttons isn't always smooth. Here are the hiccups I see most often:
Adding too many buttons too fast. Stick to one new word at a time.
Moving the buttons around. Keep each button in the same spot so your dog builds a map.
Only modelling during "training time." Press buttons naturally throughout the day, not just in sessions.
Not following through. If your dog presses "outside," go outside when you can. That's how they learn the button works.
Worrying about "button spam." Lots of random pressing is normal early on. Respond calmly and keep modelling.
Can't follow through right away? Many button users add a "Later" button. It tells your dog you heard them, even when the answer isn't "now."
Can Cats Use Talking Buttons Too?
Yes! Cat buttons work the same way, and plenty of cats use a cat soundboard to ask for food or attention.
Olive, however, took one look at the buttons and said "hard pass." 😂
If you want to try with your cat, start with a high-value word like "treat" or "food." Then follow the same steps above.
Looking for more cat-approved finds? Here are the cat-friendly home products I'd buy again and our cordless cat water fountain.
Watch Widget Learn New FluentPet Words!
Curious to see dog talking buttons in action? In this YouTube video, I add new words to Widget's board and test how fast he learns them!
Wondering how Widget ended up on camera in the first place? I share the whole journey in how to become a dog influencer.
More Pet Tech That Makes Life Easier
Buttons help Widget talk to me. These help me keep up with everyone when life gets busy:
Furbo dog camera: Lets you see and talk to your dog from work.
PetSafe FreshFeed: A refrigerated feeder for wet food schedules.
SmartSpin litter box: My favourite Litter-Robot dupe.
SiiPet LitterLens: A smart litter box camera that tracks bathroom habits.
Cat litter box furniture: Hidden, modern picks that don't look like a litter box.
Are you thinking about trying communication buttons with your pet? Tell me in the comments on YouTube on what their first words would be!
FAQ About Dog Talking Buttons
How do you teach a dog to use talking buttons?
Start with one or two words your dog already knows, like "outside" or "play." Place each button where that activity happens. Press it every time before doing the activity, and reward any interest with praise or treats.
Do dogs actually understand dog buttons?
Yes, research suggests many dogs understand the words on their buttons. A 2024 UC San Diego study found dogs responded correctly even when strangers pressed the buttons. It may not be full language, but it's meaningful communication.
What are the best first words for dog communication buttons?
The best first words are ones tied to things your dog already loves. Popular starter words include "outside," "walk," "play," "treat," and "potty."
How long does it take for a dog to learn FluentPet buttons?
It depends on your dog's personality and your consistency. Some dogs press their first button with purpose in a few days, while others need a few weeks. Short, positive, consistent modelling is the key.
Where should I put dog talking buttons in my home?
Place each button where the action happens. Put "outside" by the door and "play" near the toy basket. Logical placement helps your dog connect the word with the result.
Can cats use talking buttons?
Yes, cats can learn talking buttons too. Start with a food or treat word, since most cats find those highly motivating. Then follow the same modelling steps you'd use with a dog.
