Dogs may be able to communicate by pressing buttons, research suggests

[littlemissmartypants]

A study indicates that some dogs are able to express themselves by pressing buttons in two or more word combinations that are neither random nor accidental.

By Marlene Cimons
December 13, 2024

Dog using a blue button to communicate. (iStock)

There’s no question that dogs can communicate with their humans. A dog who needs to go out might stand by the door and scratch at it, or bark. A hungry dog might circle a food dish. One who wants to play fetch might bring you a tennis ball.

But can a dog convey its needs by associating specific buttons with prerecorded words — such as “want,” “food” or “play” — and use its paws to tap out messages?

A study indicates that some dogs are able to express themselves by pressing buttons in two or more word combinations that are neither random nor accidental. Ongoing research, including a new study, suggests it may be possible. The study indicates that dogs are able to express themselves by pressing buttons in two or more word combinations that are neither random nor accidental, the authors said.

“If we know that they are using the buttons intentionally, they can use them in ways that seem smart, like a young child,” said Federico Rossano, an associate professor of cognitive science at the University of California at San Diego, who led the research. “This should lead owners to a renewed appreciation of the intelligence of their pets and help them provide for their dogs.”
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https://archive.ph/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2024/12/13/button-dogs-humans-communication/

❤️pants

[dweller]

1. Seen a few vids on fb

Of dogs using buttons ( a variety of them ) communicating with their owners … I keep wondering if there is trickery involved ? The buttons are labeled with the word it will play , so are the dogs reading the buttons first ?
😆

🤔


✌🏻

[Attilatheblond]

2. Likely the dogs are remembering the word buttons by placement. The written words probably for the dumb humans

And 'Bunny' videos are showing progression to abstract thinking and expression to her 'mom' . When the buttons to express what she wants to say or ask don't exist on her word mats, she comes up with combos of the words she does have to make her point to her humans.

Dogs are a whole lot smarter than most people realize and some have large comprehensive vocabulary.

[Orrex]

4. My dog typed out "the cat is an asshole."

And that cat typed back "Yeah? So?"

[Attilatheblond]

5. My cat won't let the dog use his computer

Too afraid the big lummox dog will accidentally erase the book he's writing.

[Orrex]

9. I call bullshit

The cat is afraid that the dog will see his browser history.

[jxla]

15. What about Bunny

https://www.facebook.com/Whataboutbunny

https://www.youtube.com/@whataboutbunny/shorts

https://www.instagram.com/whataboutbunny/?hl=en

[Orrex]

3. Plot twist: that article was typed by a dog using buttons

Hoozagooboy?

[Attilatheblond]

6. Years ago, a friend wanted my help talking his wife out of getting an African Grey Parrot

I asked her if she REALLY wanted a bird who would likely outlive her and would be smart enough to write a memoir.

The got another dog.

[Orrex]

10. I did a wiring job at an exotic birds seller in Ohio a few years back

Legitimate place, they ADORE their birds, and they take in a lot of rescues.

They've been in business long enough to have sold birds to people who die a decade or so later, only for the surviving adult children to return the bird to the seller because the kids don't know how to care for them. Fun place to do jobs, with a few dozen birds screaming and carrying on and having a great ol' time.

While there, I met a Catalina Macaw who stood on the roof of her cage watching me work. I commented to the store owner that the bird was gorgeous, and he said "yeah, but she has a filthy mouth on her."

Moments later this beautiful miracle of nature screeched at me to "Stop, drop and roll, fucker!"

[Attilatheblond]

11. My dad had a pal who had a myna bird. Dad was helping the friend get ready for a party & carried in bags of food/drinks

Hot day in Southern California, Santa Anna Winds were doing their thing.

Bottom of one bag fell thru, and a couple 6 packs of brew hit the floor. Dad finished hauling in the rest of the bags then grabbed a beer to cool off. He popped the top, and FIZZ exploded everywhere. The bird, watching from his perch, just shook his head and said "Dummy!"

Dad said he wanted to toss the bird on the BBQ but figured he might fly to a tree and testify against him in court later.

[Orrex]

12. Oh that's magnificent.

I wish these damn things would group up and take over for a while. They can hardly mess things up worse than humans have done.

[mitch96]

13. My boss got an African Gray from an employee that was leaving. For Free! . About a week after he left and a week

after she had the bird she found out the bird would curse like a drunken sailor at the top of his lungs!!!
I guess he got his last dig in after all...
m

[Beartracks]

7. I am dog post on DU

press all buttons at computer!

- Rover beartracks dog

[Botany]

8. My lab brings me her leash, my shoes, my hat, and or my coat when she wants to go out.

Cute @ first but @ 3 am it gets old.

[Diamond_Dog]

14. I get The Lab Stare when it's dinner time. 😂

[mwmisses4289]

16. Cats have been doing this for years.

Dogs (or their owners) just catching up?

[littlemissmartypants]

17. I had a cat that meowed " I love you." ...

With emphasis on the you. It was hilarious and disturbing, especially for people that had never heard her before.

Startling at the very least but definitely entertaining.

I have no idea how she learned to do it.

I love youuuuuu!

I have a tape recording of her somewhere.

❤️