A Husky "talking" into a megaphone (Alones/Shutterstock)
Have you ever wished your dog could tell you exactly what they need with the press of a button? Well, now they can! Thanks to advancements in pet technology, dog talking buttons are making it easier than ever to bridge the communication gap between you and your furry friend. These devices let your dog express simple requests like wanting a walk, feeling hungry, or ready to play by pressing buttons that play specific words or phrases. While dogs might not grasp language the way we do, with consistent training and positive reinforcement, they can learn to use these buttons to communicate their needs. This article dives into the best dog talking buttons based on recommendations across seven websites. Does your dog respond best to one set of buttons? If so, comment below.
StudyFinds is a research-driven platform that analyzes and synthesizes expert recommendations from trusted sources. Rather than writing reviews ourselves, we meticulously compile consensus findings from leading industry experts and established publications to save consumers valuable research time. Each article represents hours of analysis across multiple authoritative sources to identify the most consistently recommended choices.
The List of the Best Dog Talking Buttons
1. Fluent Pet Dog Talking Button Tester Kit
FluentPet’s Tester Kit is a great place to start if you’re skeptical that dog talking buttons can work. It includes two talking buttons and foam Hextiles for building color-coded soundboards that teach simple prompts like “outside” and “potty.”
For those ready to expand past the tester kit, The Spruce Pets recommends the FluentPet Get Started Kit, which offers six buttons with upgrade options to 12 or 32, complete with ideogram stickers and included batteries. Still not convinced? Watch Bunny the talking Labradoodle showcase these buttons in action on Instagram @whataboutbunny.
Business Insider agrees this kit is the perfect way to teach your dog to communicate. Fluent Pet provides everything you need to get started, including expert-recommended setups from veterinary behaviorist Valli Parthasarathy. When the kit arrives, it’s ready to use with the batteries already installed.
FluentPet’s buildable kit is worth the investment, according to Rover.com. Their testers love the compact buttons, interlocking mats, and easy-to-follow training guides, including a short pamphlet and in-depth online tutorials. While on the pricier side, this high-quality system is ideal for pet parents committed to teaching their furry friends how to “talk.”
2. Hunger for Words Talking Pet Starter Kit
If you want to try talking buttons without a big investment, Vetstreet recommends this budget-friendly starter set, which is cheaper than FluentPet. It includes four colorful, recordable buttons that are easy for big dogs to operate. While it doesn’t come with a floor mat, placing the buttons on a rug or silicone mat keeps them steady, making training simple and fun.
Dog Guide San Antonio says that Hunger for Words was created by speech-language pathologist Christina Hunger. Yes, that’s her real last name. She is the woman behind the “first” talking dog, Stella. This starter kit includes four programmable buttons for custom words, a training guide, and optional button mats for organization (batteries sold separately). For extra support, use the Hunger for Words Goal Tracker to make training even easier.
You’ll need eight triple-A batteries to power the set, but Rover says they aren’t included. Each button requires two batteries. If you’d like added stability, a mat that holds up to six buttons is available separately. For more training tips and to learn about Stella’s journey, check out Hunger’s book, “How Stella Learned to Talk.”
3. MEWOOFUN Dog Talking Starter Pack
If you’re looking for a more stylish set of buttons, The Dog Guide San Antonio says MEWOOFUN fits the bill. This set features rounded-edge square buttons in vibrant colors and includes a non-slip mat to keep them securely in place. If you want to expand your dog’s vocabulary the set is easy to expand with add-on packs. Just remember, each button requires two triple-A batteries (not included).
Available in packs of two, four, or nine, these buttons include a non-slip mat with pre-marked, customizable labels. While their stylish build stands out, Vetstreet points out the buttons may be harder for smaller dogs to press.
According to Dog Product Picker, the MEWOOFUN Dog Buttons Starter Pack is a great choice for teaching your pet simple commands. Made from durable ABS plastic with non-slip mats and Velcro-backed buttons, it stays securely in place while your dog learns. Each button records up to 20 seconds of clear audio, making communication straightforward and effective.
4. Mighty Paw Smart Bell 2.0
These buttons are a little different than the other brands on our list. They use bells, not words, to help your dog communicate. The Mighty Paw Smart Bell 2.0 mounts easily with adhesive, works wirelessly without batteries and operates within 1,000 feet of a plug-in receiver. With adjustable volume, 38 tones, and a light-touch activator, The Spruce Pets says it’s perfect for training dogs or even cats to signal when they need to go out.
The Mighty Paw Smart Bell comes with a training guide and a self-charging battery for easy, stress-free use. According to Business Insider, these buttons are ideal for potty training, allowing your dog to signal when they need to go outside or come back in. The only downside? They are not customizable.
Dog Product Picker agrees this smart bell is the perfect way to stop your dog from whining, barking, scratching, or pacing to go outside. The bell is water-resistant so it can be used safely outside. This allows for your pet to tell you when they are ready to come back inside, too.
Sources:
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.
