Teaching Dogs To Talk? Best Dog Talking Buttons (2024)
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SUMMARY: My professional dog trainer friends tell me that dog talking buttons can be empowering for dogs, improve our understanding of their wants and needs, and provide an all-important mental challenge. If you want to test this fun way to interact with your dog, I’ve evaluated the 5 of the top dog talking button sets to help you decide which one would work best for your canine friend.
Ever feel like your four-legged friend has so much to say, if only they had the words?
As a dog owner, there are plenty of things that we would love to be able to communicate with our beloved furry friends.
From asking them how their day was to telling them what a good boy or girl they are, the idea of teaching our dogs how to talk has always been intriguing.
In recent years, the concept of using dog talking buttons has gained popularity in the dog training world.
These battery-operated buttons are programmed with specific words and phrases, and when pressed by a dog’s paw or nose, can produce human language.
Dog Talking Buttons Featured In This Article
What To Consider In Dog Talking Buttons
When I set out to review the best dog talking buttons, I honed in on a variety of features that I believe are crucial for successful communication with your pet.
Having a keen eye for the right attributes not only ensures durability and usability, but it also significantly enriches the learning experience for both you and your dog.
Here’s what I focused on to separate the best from the rest:
- Sound Quality: Clear and distinct audio is essential for dogs to distinguish new words.
- Recordability: The ability to record your own voice provides a personal touch that can comfort and aid in the training of your pet.
- Ease Of Use: The buttons must be easy for dogs to press and for owners to record and re-record phrases as needed.
- Durability: Considering that these buttons will be tapped by eager paws, they must be able to withstand frequent use.
- Educational Content: Guides or resources supplied by the manufacturer can be invaluable in helping you teach your dog how to communicate.
- Button Size And Responsiveness: The size of the buttons should be appropriate for your dog’s paw size, and they should be responsive enough to register even light presses.
Top Dog Talking Buttons Reviewed
#1. Dog Buttons For Communication (8-Button Set)
If you’re eager to start chatting with your canine companion, the Dog Buttons for Communication 8-Piece set should be at the top of your list.
This series of buttons comes in different colors and is not only user-friendly, but also comes with the ability to record up to 30 seconds of speech, giving you plenty of time to convey clear messages to your pup.
I found them to be surprisingly durable, standing up to eager paws without any issues.
- Key Benefits: The set includes 8 buttons, each with a 30-second recording capacity, making them perfect for cues and phrases of various lengths. Their robust design ensures they can withstand the daily enthusiasm of your dog, and the ease of recordability means you can customize each message to your preference.
- Keep In Mind: The buttons require quite a firm press, which might be a little challenging for smaller breeds or less assertive dogs. Other than that, they’re a solid choice for introducing your dog to augmented communication.
- Record cues such as 'Food', 'Eat', 'Drink', 'Play', 'Yes', 'No', etc.
- Suitable for small, medium, and large dogs.
- Set contains 8 buttons of different colors.
- High quality durable rubber training mat (3.1" diameter).
- Recordable voice buttons have a built-in metal 3.9 ohm speaker for louder and clearer playback volume.
- Pet button recording time within 30 seconds (2 AAA batteries not included)
- Made of high-quality ABS plastic with a reinforced finish.
- Training instructions and 24 scene stickers included.
#2. MEWOOFUN Dog Buttons For Communication (9-Piece Set)
Another great find on my quest for the best dog talking buttons was the MEWOOFUN 9-piece set.
With its 9-button lineup in 3 different colors, this set is designed to help your dog express core needs and desires as you work together as a team to build communication.
You can easily record the voice cues of your choice, and the set features great quality microphones and speakers, giving you a clearer sound and good volume levels.
The buttons are easy to activate, making this set a good choice for most dogs.
- Key Benefits: This set of dog talking buttons is sturdy and durable with an attractive design and range of colors. It comes with excellent sound quality that will make sure your dog knows it’s you doing the talking.
- Keep In Mind: The button size (2 inches) may be on the smaller side for some dogs.
- Top quality microphones and speakers for a clearer sound and better volume.
- Easy to record and listen to playback.
- Attach buttons to the non-slip mat with Velcro for extra security.
- Made of high-quality ABS plastic.
- Includes instruction manual, 9 dog talking buttons, mat, stickers, Velcro, batteries and screwdriver.
#3. Dog Buttons For Communication (4-Button Set)
Another great find on my quest for the best dog talking buttons is the Dog Buttons for Communication 4-Piece set.
This would be a solid choice for those beginning their journey into pet communication.
The buttons are designed to be straightforward for both you and your pet to use, which is critical when you’re both learning a new skill together.
- Key Benefits: This set boasts a good number of buttons to expand your dog’s vocabulary. They are also easy to record and re-record, allowing for flexible communication as your dog’s understanding evolves. Their durability is suitable for dogs who might get a bit excited when pressing to communicate.
- Keep In Mind: The set might be a little overwhelming for complete beginners due to the number of buttons. It could take some time for pets and their owners to get accustomed to where each button is and what it says.
- Record your own voice cues and choose whichever terms are unique to you and your dog.
- Large, durable, colorful buttons that are easy to program.
- Suitable for all size dogs.
- Good sound Quality.
- Each button requires 2 x AAA batteries (not included)
#4. Hunger For Words Talking Pet Essential Words (6-Piece Set)
I’ve been thoroughly impressed with the Hunger For Words Talking Pet Essential Words set.
Each button is pre-recorded with words carefully chosen by speech-language pathologist Christina Hunger, a pioneer in this field.
For those looking to broaden their dog communication adventures, this set offers a great balance between simplicity and the potential for more complex phrases.
- Key Benefits: The buttons come with pre-recorded essential words, which is perfect for pet parents who are looking for a plug-and-play solution. The quality of the pre-recorded sounds is clear, and the buttons are responsive to even the softest touch.
- Keep In Mind: A possible limitation here is that this set might not be enough for highly communicative dogs or those pet parents aiming for an extensive vocabulary. You may need to purchase additional buttons or sets as your dog’s communication needs grow.
- Set of 6 pre-recorded talking buttons including essential words and phrases like ‘outside,’ ‘play,’ ‘love you!’ and more.
- Follow along with the easy step-by-step guide written by Christina Hunger, speech therapist and creator of the Talking Dog Movement.
- Easy to use.
- Made from durable plastic (powered by AAA batteries).
#5. FluentPet Get Started Kit (6-Piece Set)
My journey through the world of dog communication would not be complete without the FluentPet Get Started Kit.
This set of 6 recordable buttons and 3 HexTiles is inspired by the social media-famous talking dog Bunny, and aims to provide a similar experience for dog owners.
The foam floor tiles are a smart touch, helping to categorize and organize the buttons for easier learning based on the Fitzgerald Key*.
- Key Benefits: The inclusion of the nonslip tiles for button organization is a standout feature that aids both pets and owners in remembering the placement of each button. I also appreciate the community aspect, as users can join an active global group of pet communicators to share experiences and tips. It’s also exciting that this kit is part of a study to further our understanding of animal communication.
- Keep In Mind: The learning curve might be a bit steeper with this system due to the organization aspect, and it might seem complex at first glance for someone completely new to pet communication.
- Set comes with 6 buttons for communication, 3 HexTiles, and 49 labeling stickers.
- Recordable buttons lets you choose the words you teach your learners.
- You can also group the buttons on the HexTiles by category to simplify their learning
- Buttons come with pre-installed batteries so you can use them right away. Buttons only require 0.5 lbs of pressure and are easy to activate even by smaller pets.
- Each HexTile securely holds up to 6 talking buttons for dogs and cats.
- Can be expanded as your pet's vocabulary grows.
- Step-by-step training plus access to a community of trainers.
Buying Guide For Dog Talking Buttons
Deciding on the right set of dog talking buttons for your pooch is an exciting step towards enhancing your communication. Here’s a little advice to steer you through your purchasing process:
Sound Quality
Firstly, excellent sound quality is an absolute must.
Crisp, clear audio makes for fewer misunderstandings and a more enjoyable learning experience.
Equally important is the record time each button allows.
Some dogs may need longer phrases to communicate effectively, so consider the length of recording each button offers.
Durability
Think also about durability.
These buttons are going to be pawed at pretty regularly, so you want them to withstand daily use.
Look for those made with tough materials.
Size And Sensitivity
Size and sensitivity are also key — if the buttons are too small or too difficult to press, your dog might not take to them as easily.
Learning Curve
Don’t forget the learning curve both for you and your pet.
Opt for a set that comes with a good manual or online resources.
And if you’re looking to join a community of fellow pet parents exploring pet communication, the FluentPet Get Started Kit might be your best bet, as it connects you to a network of users sharing tips and experiences.
Expandability
Lastly, consider expandability.
You may want to start small, but it’s great to have the option to add more buttons as your dog’s vocabulary grows.
Some sets are designed to be part of a larger system, giving you flexibility as your pet’s communication skills advance.
Keep these points in mind as you browse through my top picks.
Whether you lean towards the easily-customizable Dog Buttons for Communication 8 Pcs Set or the intuitive layout of the Hunger for Words Talking Pet Starter Set, you’ll be better prepared to find the perfect fit for your furry friend.
What Dog Trainers Say About Dog Communication Buttons
I decided to ask two of my favorite professional dog trainers for the real lowdown on communication buttons for dogs.
Angelica Steinker of Courteous Canine in Tampa, Florida, says they can be empowering and are a “great tool for the hobby trainers out there.”
They appear to enhance body language communication by allowing for verbal confirmation and in some cases, such as illness, give the dog the ability to ask for specific help,” she adds.
Kelly Fahey, of PupScouts of Hunterdon in Pittstown, New Jersey, suggests that dogs may learn how to use certain buttons in certain situations, “so it could become more of an operant behavior, rather than the dog actually asking to do something.
“For instance, if you ask a dog if he’s hungry and he hits the yes button, is he really hungry?
“Or does he know that hitting the ‘yes’ button makes chicken nuggets happen?
“Either way, communication buttons can be a fun training tool and are a great way to provide dogs with much-needed mental exercise. Plus, it’s fun to show off your dog doing fun tricks.”
So if you’re looking to jumpstart communication with your pup, why not start exploring the world of dog communication buttons?
They might just improve your bond with your furry friend and lead to an even deeper understanding.
Key Takeaways
- Look for dog talking buttons that balance durability, ease of use, and educational support.
- Make sure a step-by-step teaching guide is provided, and be ready to build an (even) stronger bond with your dog.
- Speech therapist Christina Hunger’s work showcases the transformative potential of talking buttons in enhancing dog communication.
- The best dog talking buttons are the ones that work for you and your pup’s individual learning style and needs.
Dog Talking Buttons FAQs
What are dog talking buttons?
Dog talking buttons are communication tools designed to help dogs express their needs and thoughts.
They are typically large, easy-to-press buttons that can be recorded with words or phrases.
When a dog presses a button, it plays back the recording, enabling the dog to communicate with his human companions about things like food, walks, or various emotions.
How do you start training your dog to use talking buttons?
To start the training process, begin with one button associated with a frequent need or activity, such as ‘outside’ or ‘eat.’
Every time you address that need or activity, press the button and immediately fulfill the action.
Be patient and consistent, rewarding your dog for showing interest in the button or using it correctly.
Over time, you can gradually introduce more buttons to expand your dog’s vocabulary.
Are dog talking buttons suitable for all breeds and ages?
Dog speech buttons can be suitable for all breeds and ages, but success depends on the individual dog’s temperament, learning capacity, and the training approach taken by the owner.
Younger dogs may (but not necessarily) learn quicker than older dogs, but most dogs could probably learn to use talking buttons with consistent training and positive reinforcement.
Can dog talking buttons be used for other pets?
Yes, dog-talking buttons can also be used for other pet species capable of learning and interaction, such as cats or even some birds.
As long as the pet can understand the association between pressing the button and the resulting action or communication, they can potentially use the buttons to express their needs or desires.
How long does it usually take for a dog to learn how to use the buttons?
The time it takes for a dog to learn how to use the buttons varies greatly depending on the individual dog’s learning speed, how consistently training sessions are held, and the complexity of the different words or phrases being taught.
Some dogs may pick up the basics within weeks, while others may take months to fully grasp the concept and use the buttons effectively.
It took our rescue dog Daisy (that’s her at the top of the page) just a few weeks to master about 8 different words.
*The Fitzgerald Key is a system of using color-coded display designs within an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) system to increase visual support for language development and communication (source: Communication Community).
