Teaching Your Dog to Use Communication Buttons

Practical, Positive Methods Backed by Behavioural Science

Communication buttons offer a unique and engaging way for dogs to express their needs in a way that humans can easily understand. Whether it’s asking to go outside, saying they’re hungry, or requesting playtime, buttons can give dogs a ‘voice’ – and when taught properly, they can also reduce frustration and strengthen the bond between dog and guardian.

This blog complements our earlier post, How To Speak Dog, by focusing on how to teach your dog to use these tools using different training methods – all grounded in positive reinforcement and behavioural science.

As Featured on 4BC Radio with Sofie Formica

This topic was recently discussed during our regular pet segment on 4BC’s “Talk to the Professionals” with Sofie Formica. We share practical, positive dog training advice and tips to help pet parents navigate everyday challenges and improve communication with their dogs.

You can catch up on recent segments and find more expert advice via the 4BC website.

Why Buttons? And Why Now?

In Australia, interest in dog enrichment, canine cognition, and alternate communication methods has grown in recent years. Researchers like Dr Susan Hazel from the University of Adelaide and teams at La Trobe University have explored how dogs learn and communicate – with findings consistently showing that dogs thrive when given mentally stimulating tasks and predictable, clear feedback.

Button training is an excellent fit for Australian families who want to:

• Improve toilet training or signals to go outside
• Offer structured enrichment at home
• Empower their dog to communicate preferences
• Reduce barking or unwanted behaviours stemming from unmet needs
• Support elderly or differently-abled guardians by giving the dog a clear signal system

Choosing the Right Buttons

Every dog is different, so before you start training, it’s worth considering your dog’s age, size, and learning preferences. Matching the right type of button to your dog can help set them up for success from day one.

Before diving into training, choose buttons that are:

• Durable and easy to press with a paw or nose
• Loud and clear, but not startling
• Positioned in an accessible, consistent spot, ideally near the location of the action (e.g. near the back door for “outside”)

You can use commercial options like FluentPet or even affordable recordable buttons from Australian online retailers. Just ensure the sound quality is consistent, and avoid changing the word tone once recorded.

Teaching Methods: Several Ways to Teach Button Use

Every dog learns differently, so choose a method (or mix of methods) that suits your dog’s personality, age, and learning style. Some dogs will take to button training quickly, while others need more time and encouragement – that’s perfectly normal.

Every dog is different, so here are five distinct methods you can use, depending on your dog’s age, motivation, and experience. These can be used on their own or in combination.

1. Modelling (You Press First)

This is the easiest and most natural way to start. You press the button yourself before an action to create an association.

How to do it:

• Every time your dog is about to go outside, say “outside,” press the button, then open the door.
• Do this every time, consistently, for at least a week or two.
• Gradually encourage your dog to investigate or interact with the button on their own.

Great for: Puppies, new adoptees, or first-time button users.

2. Capturing (Let the Dog Initiate)

This method involves waiting for the dog to naturally signal a need, then rewarding them for pressing the button instead.

How to do it:

• If your dog walks to the door to toilet, gently guide them to the button and help them press it.
• Pair it with the word (“outside”) and follow through with the action.
• With repetition, they’ll start going to the button first.

Great for: Dogs who already have good environmental cues but need help connecting them to a sound-based signal.

3. Luring (Encourage Button Interaction with Treats)

In this method, you lure your dog toward the button with a treat or favourite toy.

How to do it:

• Hold a treat above the button. When your dog reaches it, let them press it (even by accident).
• Immediately reward and perform the action linked to the button.
• Phase out the treat quickly to avoid button-spamming!

Great for: Food-motivated dogs or those who aren’t naturally inquisitive.

4. Shaping (Break It Down into Small Steps)

Shaping is a more deliberate, reward-based way to teach new behaviours by reinforcing gradual steps.

How to do it:

• First reward your dog for looking at the button.
• Then reward for stepping toward it… sniffing it… touching it… and eventually pressing it.
• Only move to the next step when the previous one is solid.

Great for: Clicker-savvy dogs or more analytical learners like Kelpies, Border Collies, or working breeds.

5. Mimicry and Routine

Dogs are excellent pattern learners. Just like they learn that picking up your keys means a walk, they can learn button routines too.

How to do it:

• Always say the word aloud when pressing the button.
• Keep the word, button location, and response consistent.
• Over time, your dog will learn that pressing the button gets results.

Great for: Dogs who thrive on routine and predictability (like older dogs or dogs with hearing loss).

Tips for Success

✔ Keep it simple at first – Only introduce new buttons once your dog reliably uses one.

✔ Avoid novelty overload – Too many buttons can confuse early learners.

✔ Use Australian phrasing – If you normally say “wee-wees,” record that instead of “potty.”

✔ Celebrate small wins – Even sniffing the button is progress in the beginning.

✔ Don’t punish mistakes – If your dog hits the button but doesn’t need the thing, calmly redirect and move on.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Pressing the button for your dog once they show understanding – let them take the lead.
• Ignoring or dismissing valid button presses once the dog understands the system.
• Moving buttons around often – consistency is critical.
• Expecting instant results. Some dogs take weeks before things “click.”

When Not to Use Buttons

While button training is enriching for many dogs, it may not be the best fit in every situation:

• For dogs with obsessive or compulsive behaviours (e.g. repeated pressing)
• In homes with toddlers who press buttons constantly, confusing the association
• For dogs who are easily frustrated without impulse control strategies in place

Real-Life Case Study: Frankie the Cavoodle

One of our Brisbane Puppy School graduates, Frankie the Cavoodle, began learning to press a button to go outside at just 14 weeks old. With consistent modelling and reward from his family, he was using the button independently within 3 weeks. Now, at six months old, he uses three buttons: “outside,” “food,” and “play” – making life calmer and more predictable for his busy household. One of our Brisbane Puppy School graduates, Frankie the Cavoodle, began learning to press a button to go outside at just 14 weeks old. With consistent modelling and reward from his family, he was using the button independently within 3 weeks. Now, at six months old, he uses three buttons: “outside,” “food,” and “play” – making life calmer and more predictable for his busy household.

Helpful Resources

• 📘 How To Speak Dog
• 🚽 Toilet Training a Puppy
• 🧠 Mental Enrichment for Dogs
• 🐾 Confidence Building for Shy Puppies
• 🔄 Impulse Control in Dogs

If you’re after some starter tools, many pet parents in Australia have had success with:

• FluentPet soundboard kits (available online)
• Recordable buttons from Kmart, eBay or Amazon Australia

We’re also happy to recommend enrichment tools in-person during your consult or training class.

Looking Ahead: What Comes Next?

Once your dog consistently uses one or two buttons, you can begin experimenting with:

• Combining buttons (e.g. “play + outside”)
• Emotion-based words (“happy,” “love”)
• Time-based concepts (“later,” “all done”)
• Functional phrases like “brush” for grooming or “bath” for desensitisation
• Social concepts like “friend” for when another dog or person is nearby

These advanced concepts can support cooperative care routines, emotional wellbeing, and further communication clarity over time. Once your dog consistently uses one or two buttons, you can begin experimenting with:

• Combining buttons (e.g. “play + outside”)
• Emotion-based words (“happy,” “love”)
• Time-based concepts (“later,” “all done”)

Just remember to build gradually and reinforce clarity before complexity.

Final Thoughts

Teaching your dog to use communication buttons can be a fun and rewarding way to support clear communication and reduce unwanted behaviours. Whether you’re trying to improve toilet communication, reduce barking, or offer a new form of mental stimulation, there’s a method here that can suit your dog.

If you’d like support, our experienced team at Jordan Dog Training can help you implement button training into your routine in a positive and practical way – either through one-on-one consultations or tailored enrichment programs.

Ready to get started? Contact us to learn how button training could work for your dog.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is intended as general guidance and is based on our experience as dog trainers and behaviourists. It is not veterinary advice and should not replace consultation with a qualified veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your dog’s health, wellbeing, or mobility, we always recommend speaking with your vet to ensure the best care for your dog.