Finding ways to talk to your pet is no longer confined to figuring out their different whines, barks and tail wags. Now, you can use pet-talking buttons to learn more about what your pet wants at any given moment. In this Green Paws blog, we take a look at how FluentPet buttons can help you enhance your relationship with your dog.
What Is FluentPet? A Brief Science and History Lesson
The concept of using dog-talking buttons is backed by research. Although it seems too good to be true to be able to communicate with your pet, the buttons were first developed when graduate students at the University of California in San Diego observed how Christina Hunger was able to use button-based communication with her dog.
One of the core tenets behind FluentPet buttons is to have a scientific integrity review board. This self-governing, independent advisory body ensures that all scientific research associated with the brand adheres to best practices and bias-free decision-making. Knowing that research shows dogs can communicate simple needs through the use of buttons gives you confidence as you move forward with training.
How Dog-Talking Buttons and FluentPet Work
Dog-talking buttons are a form of assistive communication that involves teaching your pet to press specific buttons to generate a response. For instance, you can train your dog to recognize a button as the one they press to get food. To help pets identify the buttons, you can also use colored mats.
After they receive some training, your dog can start to recognize more than one button. This allows them to easily communicate their needs. Using FluentPet buttons also takes the guesswork out of pet care. Since your dog can tell you what they want with the press of a button, you won’t have to guess if their whine means they want a snack or to go for a walk.
How to Train Your Dog With FluentPet
Learning how to teach dog-talking buttons isn’t hard; however, it does take time, consistency, and patience. As a pet owner, you’ll likely notice that training your pet to use dog-talking buttons is much more fun than potty training. You can even start training your dog before the buttons arrive.
During the waiting period, you can start using the words you plan to train repeatedly and with intention. Making sure to use the word “snack” every time you give your pet a treat – a common Pavlovian strategy – helps them begin associating the word with the appropriate action.
Once the buttons arrive, you are ready to begin target training. At first, you might need to press the buttons. Try to start with buttons that your dog finds highly motivating. For many dogs, starting with a button for food helps move their learning forward. When your dog presses a button correctly, remember to reinforce their action immediately. After your dog learns their first buttons, then you can add more to meet your preferences.
Benefits of Using FluentPet
The biggest benefit of using dog-talking buttons is that it eases frustration for both you and your favorite canine (or feline – cats can be trained as well!). When your pet can tell you that they are hungry, ready to go potty, or want cuddles, then you’ll see them engage in fewer negative behaviors. FluentPet buttons are perfect for people who live in apartments or shared housing, since the sound from a button is much softer compared to barking.
You’ll also find that your relationship with your pet grows closer. Being able to see them communicate their needs allows you to learn their preferences. Your pet will also respond to other types of training better when you can add new words to the hex tiles that allow them to communicate as they learn.
Watching dogs communicate with their human companions is an amazing experience. If you’ve ever wondered what your dog is thinking, then you now have a science-backed way to improve your communication patterns. Giving FluentPet buttons a try is an effective way to bond with your pet and have fun as you watch their ability to use their new devices grow.
