6 Ways Teaching Our Dog to Talk with Buttons Has Changed Our Relationship

Ever wondered how we could better understand our pets? We do…every single day. Fortunately, buttons have revolutionized the way we connect with our dogs. In this post we dive into some of the different ways that teaching Ripley to communicate with buttons has changed our relationship for the better!

He’s More Affectionate

Until we added a RUBS button, Ripley was never the cuddly or affectionate type. As a young puppy he ALWAYS wanted to be on the go and struggled to settle down. We worked through a relaxation protocol and actively trained to learn how to take naps and settle. If we allowed him to go until he physically couldn’t go anymore, he would become extra mouthy and destructive and seemed to be uncomfortable in his own skin. After adding the RUBS button, Ripley began asking for affection when he wanted it. Since then, he’s opened up other non-button ways of communicating when he wants to touch or receive love from us physically. It’s one of our favorite parts of using buttons.

Grooming is Easier

Much like affection, Ripley has struggled with settling down enough for grooming. We didn’t even know how much he loves to be brushed until added the BRUSH button. He now asks for it almost every day and will settle for extended grooming periods sprawled on the floor open for pampering. It’s been a fascinating shift!

Increase Respect for Consent

Check out this video of Rip asking for RUBS.

As a couple, we’ve had dogs most of our adult lives. I think we’ve always been pretty good at respecting their boundaries, but we weren’t as aware of the role of consent and autonomy in their lives as we are now. Using buttons has allowed Ripley to communicate with us when he does or doesn’t want to do something. For example, sometimes he doesn’t want to go for a walk and wants to play in the backyard instead. Respecting and communicating back and forth about these simple day-to-day exchanges only aids in strengthening our relationship.

One of our favorite videos is from @cachecowadventures is a perfect example of this. Cache’s Grandpa called to ask if Cache wanted to go to the beach with him. Through buttons, Cache could communicate with his Mom that he didn’t want to go. Without buttons there is a good chance Cache would have gone along to the beach even though he really didn’t want to. So amazing!

Enhanced Communication

Experiences like the ones we’ve already touched on all add to our bond with Ripley (and Stanley & Cooper). Since using the buttons, Ripley has begun to communicate with us in other ways. He consistently nods yes to us to affirm that he wants something and will often motion toward things with his nose or paws. It really seems that the more we communicate in general, the more in tune we are with each other. We always seem to be developing new ways of understanding each other.

Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Ripley’s Dinner in a West Paw Toppl

Dad once left the house to go to the store without telling Ripley BYE. Ripley seemed distraught. He was pacing, whining, and acting in ways that he typically does not. I brought Ripley over to the board and told him (using buttons) DADDY + BYE + INSIDE + SOON. We don’t have a HOME button, so INSIDE best represents the situation. Ripley immediately relaxed his body language, grabbed a toy, and began to play.

Improved Meal Times

Ripley’s been a picky eater since the day we took him home. We’ve tried all sorts of foods and options. With buttons, we’ve learned that he prefers to eat his food out of a LICKY (West Paw Toppl or Lickmat) or an enrichment puzzle toy. His ability to clearly communicate this preference has really improved meal time for everyone.

Have you seen changes in your relationship with your pup or animal after starting buttons? Let us know in the comments.