Meet Ripley the Talking Dog
Ripley is our 1-year-old Australian Shepherd learning to talk with Fluent Pet Buttons. Starting at 8 weeks old, Ripley learned over 75 words in his first year.
We share Ripley’s experience learning to communicate with his buttons via his social media channels (Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Youtube) under the handle @letsgoripley. About 6 months in, we moved Ripley’s board from the floor to the wall. We struggled with him stealing and trying to run off with the board. We were also sick of cleaning his hair out of it. As Ripley’s naturally a nose booper, we decided moving to the wall was worth the try. Ripley excelled after the change and now uses both his nose and body to press buttons (he’s pretty skilled with his buttocks).
About Let’s Go Rip
We aim to be a reliable source of knowledge, inspiration, and guidance for enhancing communication with your dogs and providing them with the most fulfilling life possible.
Dad with Ripley
As pet parents, we recognize the heart-wrenching reality that our dogs never stay with us long enough. Our mission is to empower dog parents to cultivate deeper and more meaningful relationships with their dogs while making the most out of their precious time together.
We believe that effective communication is the cornerstone of any relationship. By gaining a better understanding of natural dog communication and diving deep into the world of talking buttons and AIC, we hope to help open a new world of expression and understanding between humans and their four-legged friends.
Ripley Quick Facts
Born: 04/05/22
Breed: Australian Shepherd
Word Count: 75+ (it grows every week)
Favorite Toy: BALL GUN or FRISBEE
Favorite Place: River or The Gardens
Favorite Person: Mom (or Grandma if we make him mad)
Favorite Word: MAD or BALL GUN
Favorite Thing to Do: River, Work (Training), Play Ball Gun
About the Family
Cooper, Ripley, & Stanley in a Rare Sibling Photo
Stanley
12yo Min Pin/Terrier Mix (Rescue so it’s a guess)
Stanley is a misunderstood little man. Coming to us around age 4, Stanley was found running the streets and had multiple signs of injury and/or abuse. He is reactive to both people and dogs. It took years to get him around new people and 6 months to integrate him and Ripley together. He’s come such a long way and enjoys cuddling, sleeping, and playing with Ripley.
Cooper
8yo Chihuahua/Min Pin Mix (Rescue so it’s a guess)
Cooper came to us as a skinny little boy after his owner died, and the family tied him to a fence to fend for himself. He suffers from joint issues and an insatiable appetite for treats and everyone else’s food. He loves to cuddle and kiss your face just as much as he appreciates his alone time under a pile of blankets.
Kristina aka Mom and Gary aka Dad
Kristina with Cooper and Stanley (who hate the camera)
Spending our own careers in psychology, health, and education, and total dog people, we were naturally drawn to animal cognition and communication. When we saw the buttons for the first time, we knew we had to try it. A year after starting, we couldn’t imagine life without them. To find our way, we studied others sharing their journeys online, and learned from their stories and experiences. As appreciative as we are of these lessons, we often wish there was one place for all things buttons, enrichment, and dog communication. That’s when the Let’s Go Rip website was born.
