How to Teach Your Dog to Talk with Buttons | FluentPet Training Guide & Discount

Ever wished your dog could actually tell you what they want? That’s exactly why I started using FluentPet buttons with my dog, Widget. These dog communication buttons are such a game-changer. Seriously, it’s like unlocking a secret level of dog parenting.

In this post, I’ll share:

• Why I decided to teach Widget to “talk”

• How FluentPet buttons work

• Our setup + training process

• My favourite tips for getting started

• Where to buy FluentPet (and my 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 Use Buttons

I first discovered dog communication buttons thanks to my friend @baconthedoggers on Instagram. Bacon (the stylish Toronto pup!) uses his FluentPet buttons to tell his owner when he wants 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. Oops.

Widget with his Fluent Pet buttons, ready to ‘talk’ when he needs something!

What Are Dog Communication Buttons & Do They Work?

Communication buttons are small devices that play a pre-recorded word or phrase when pressed. They give your dog (or even your cat, although Olive was like “hard pass” on this one) a way to express needs, wants, and demands.

Do dogs really understand the buttons? Yes, over time they associate each button with an action or object through repetition.,

How FluentPet Buttons Work

FluentPet uses sound association. It’s like teaching commands, but your dog gets to press the button instead of waiting for you to say the word.

Here’s the basic process:

• Pair words with actions: Assign a word like “outside” or “play.”

• Repeat, repeat, repeat: Press the button before the action happens.

• Celebrate small wins: Praise and reward any interaction.

➡ Want to start today? Get FluentPet kits here with my discount code.

Why I Chose Fluent Pet Buttons

There are a few different button brands out there, but Fluent Pet stood out to me because our friend Bacon sent us a couple to try out before we made the commitment to purchasing the buttons and because I may have ADHD hype fixated on learning everything about pet communication buttons at 3am on a random Thursday...

• Clear, high-quality sound – Dogs need distinct audio cues to recognize words.

• Modular hexagonal design – You can expand your soundboard as your dog learns more words.

• Super durable – Built for excited paws or in Widget's case...dirty nose boops.

Thinking about trying these buttons out with your dog (or cat)? You can save 12% off your purchase of $50 or more using my Fluent Pet discount code COZYCREW or check them out on Amazon.

Getting Started: Setting Up the Buttons & Training Basics

When I first got Widget’s Fluent Pet button set, I had no idea where to put them or how to start. I knew I wanted him to actually use them and not just ignore them like a fancy floor decoration, so I had to be intentional with the setup.

Here’s what I did to get him started:

Step 1: Picking the First Words: I didn’t want to overwhelm Widget with a million buttons right away, so I started small. The first words I picked were: “Outside”  Since he already runs to the door when he wants out, this felt like an easy win. “Play” Because, It's easy to associate with the action of playing with a toy or throwing a ball.

Step 2: Finding the Perfect Spot: Placement matters when you’re teaching button communication. If they’re in a random place, your dog might not make the connection. I put “Outside” near the door and “Play” right next to his toy basket so he’d naturally interact with them in the right context.

Step 3: Modeling the Words: Every time we went outside, I’d press the button and say “Outside!” before opening the door. Same thing with “Play”, I’d press it before grabbing a toy.

Step 4: Encouraging Widget to Use Them: At first, Widget just stared at the buttons like, “...Okay???” But whenever he even sniffed or pawed at one, I made sure to do a happy dance and praise him for his valiant efforts. 10/10 Good boy, Widget.

Pro Tip: If your dog isn’t into the buttons right away, don’t stress! Some dogs take a few days (or even weeks) before they start making the connection. Keep pressing them in the right moments, reward any interest, and let them learn at their own pace.

Here's Fluent Pet's Introduction to button communication article.

Our Fluent Pet Board Set Up

Once Widget got the hang of pressing a couple of buttons, I knew it was time to expand his vocabulary.

As of March 3rd, 2025, this is what Widget's Fluent Pet Board currently looks like:

Our current sound board set up. 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

Watch Widget Learn New FluentPet Words!

Curious to see FluentPet buttons in action? In my latest YouTube video, I add new words to Widget’s talking button board and test how quickly he can learn them! Watch the full video below to see how FluentPet is helping Widget communicate with me.

HerCozyCrew YouTube Channel - "How Smart is My Dog? Adding New Words to His FluentPet Board!"

Are you thinking about trying communication buttons with your pet? Let me know in the comments what their first words would be!

Grab Your FluentPet Kit + 12% Off with code COZYCREW

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Communication Buttons

How do you teach a dog to use Fluent Pet buttons?

To teach your dog to use Fluent Pet buttons, start by picking one or two words they already associate with an action, like “outside” or “play.” Place the buttons in a logical location (like by the door or next to toys), press them consistently before doing the action, and reward any engagement with praise or treats. Over time, they’ll start to connect the button with the word and its meaning.

Do dogs actually understand what the communication buttons mean?

Yes, many dogs can learn to associate buttons with specific actions, objects, or people. Through repetition and reinforcement, they begin to recognize that pressing a certain button leads to something predictable, like going outside or getting a toy. While it may not be full-blown “language,” it's a meaningful form of communication that builds over time.

What are the best first words to teach a dog with communication buttons?

The best first words for button training are ones your dog already understands in daily life. Common starter words include “outside,” “walk,” “play,” or “treat.” These are easy to pair with actions and help your dog quickly make the connection between the button and the result.

How long does it take for a dog to learn Fluent Pet buttons?

It depends on your dog’s personality and your consistency with training. Some dogs understand their first button in just a few days, while others might take weeks to start pressing with purpose. The key is to model the words regularly, keep sessions short and positive, and celebrate small wins along the way.

Where should I put the Fluent Pet buttons in my home?

Place buttons where the action happens to help your dog connect the word with the environment. For example, put the “outside” button by the door or the “play” button near the toy basket. Logical placement increases your dog’s chance of engaging with the button at the right time.