Recordable Buttons
We recommend this four-pack of buttons on Amazon. Each button can be recorded with 30 seconds (much more time than you need for just one word).
Foam Floor Tiles
Consistency is key in teaching your dogs to use these buttons. That’s why we recommend keeping each button in the same place by using foam floor tiles.
Velcro
Keep your buttons attached to your foam tiles using industrial-strength velcro strips. This four-pack is super affordable and will keep your dog from slipping around.
High-Value Treats
To start out, you’ll want to pair buttons with things that are high-value in your dog’s life. Keep delicious treats on hand to reward your dog.
Choose Your Words
To start, you’ll want to select words that your dog already has an association with and that are things your dog enjoys. A great first word is “potty” which usually means going out into the backyard. First record “potty” onto one of the buttons and put it in a central place your dog would need to pass to get to the backyard.
Create Associations
After choosing a word, push the button every time you and your dog are about to do whatever is associated with the button. For example, every time you take your dog out, push the button for “potty” — then go outside. At first, the goal isn’t to force your dog to push the button or even to directly teach your dog to push the button. By watching you push the button before doing a specific activity they will over time learn to push the button themselves to cue to you they would like to do the activity.
Hint: Patience and consistency are key!
Hint: Patience and consistency are key!
Reward Your Dog’s Button Use
At this point, your dog will mirror you and push the button themselves. When your dog uses the button give lots of praise and immediately give your dog what was asked for. So, for this example, when your dog pushes the button that says “potty,” you could have a little celebration and immediately take her outside to the backyard.
Expand Your Vocabulary
As your dog masters understanding using one button, you can begin to add in more buttons for different aspects of your dog’s day. You can also introduce toys and games in your dog’s day the same way, by rewarding your dog when they push the button.
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