University of California San Diego researchers have found that you can really talk to dogs using soundboard buttons. The trend emerged during Covid lockdowns, when owners struggled to teach their dogs to use these buttons to communicate. Soundboard or button training can be used to help your dog communicate objects or simple ideas like “park”, “food”, or “happy.” Researchers found evidence that the pups really do understand what they’re saying, and are not just pressing buttons to receive treats. “Our findings are important because they show that words matter to dogs, and that they respond to the words themselves, not just to associated cues,” Dr. Federico Rossano said. (dailymail.co.uk)
Phone Topic: Can you tell what your dog is “saying”?