Button Talk Goes Mainstream: Reflections on the NYT Article

Gavriel Wayenberg
Jan 7
3 min read

It’s an exciting day for all of us in the world of canine communication! The New York Times has published an in-depth article about the growing phenomenon of dogs using buttons to express themselves, highlighting the incredible potential of this form of interspecies communication. At the Canine Communication Research (CCR) center, this feels like a moment of validation—not just for our work, but for the countless dogs and owners worldwide who are exploring the boundaries of what it means to truly listen to our furry companions.

You can find the article here: The New York Times: Dog Buttons and Animal Communication

What the NYT Article Highlights

The article dives into the fascinating journey of how dogs, through the use of buttons, are learning to communicate with their human families in ways that go beyond barks and tail wags. It celebrates the intelligence and emotional depth of our canine friends, touching on topics like:

The Science Behind Button Communication: How dogs’ cognitive abilities and social bonds allow them to connect words to actions, emotions, and desires.
Groundbreaking Cases: Stories of dogs like Bunny (a pioneer in this field) and others who have pushed the limits of what we thought dogs could express.
The Human-Canine Bond: How this technology fosters deeper relationships between pets and their humans, giving dogs a “voice” in ways we never thought possible.

Reflections from the CCR

At CCR, this article resonates deeply with our mission. It’s a reminder of how far this field has come—and how much further we can go. Here are some key takeaways we’d like to share:

1. Dogs Are Emotional, Intelligent Beings

The NYT article reinforces what we’ve always believed: Dogs are more than companions; they are thinkers and feelers. Whether it’s Pretty’s clever button sequences, Otao’s gentlemanly button demonstration, or Lilly’s growing curiosity, each interaction at CCR shows us that dogs are eager to communicate when given the tools to do so.

2. The Power of Patience and Observation

The article emphasizes the importance of patience in training dogs to use buttons, a lesson we’ve learned firsthand. At CCR, we’ve seen how gradual, tailored approaches—like adding buttons slowly or grouping them by themes—help dogs feel confident and motivated.

3. The Next Steps in Canine Communication

The NYT article mentions how researchers and enthusiasts are expanding the possibilities of button communication. At CCR, we’re excited to explore new button layouts, sentence structures, and even emotional expressions through Pretty, Lilly, Otao, and other visiting dogs.

The Broader Implications

As the NYT article points out, this technology isn’t just a novelty—it’s a window into how animals think and feel. It challenges us to reconsider the intelligence and emotional depth of not just dogs, but all animals. What could this mean for how we treat and understand them? Could this pave the way for new ethical considerations or even legal rights for animals?

How You Can Get Involved

Inspired by the article? Here’s how you can explore the world of canine communication:

Start Small: Introduce one or two buttons to your dog, pairing them with actions or emotions they already understand.
Be Consistent: Use the buttons daily in the appropriate context to help your dog make connections.
Celebrate Progress: Every press is a step forward. Reward your dog’s efforts with treats, praise, and encouragement.
Join the Community: Share your journey and learn from others experimenting with button communication.

Looking Ahead

The NYT article is a milestone for this field, but it’s just the beginning. At CCR, we’re committed to pushing the boundaries of canine communication, sharing our insights, and continuing to learn from our four-legged collaborators.

This is more than a trend—it’s a movement. Dogs have always had something to say; now, we’re finally learning to listen.

Stay tuned for more stories, updates, and breakthroughs from CCR, where every paw press brings us closer to understanding our best friends better than ever before.