Pretty, the Unexpected Button Detective: A Lighthearted Lesson in Precision

At CCR, we’ve grown accustomed to Pretty’s clever and often surprising use of her communication buttons. But even with all her progress, nothing could have prepared us for her latest button interaction—a mix of humor, accuracy, and, let’s face it, a level of precision that left us both amazed and in stitches.

Brace yourself for a story that might be less conventional but is no less insightful: the tale of Pretty, the self-appointed “traffic warden” of intestinal matters!

The Scene: A Cozy Cuddle Turns Curious

It all began with a peaceful moment. Pretty and I were sharing one of her favorite activities—a cozy cuddle on the couch. Everything was calm and quiet… until a certain odor disrupted the ambiance. Let’s just say that the culprit wasn’t Pretty this time—it was me, and I’ll admit, it was a particularly potent human contribution.

Pretty’s reaction was immediate. Instead of ignoring the situation or simply walking away, she made a beeline for her button pad. With the deliberation of someone who had a point to make, she pressed the “There’s a problem” button.

I laughed and asked her, “Oh really, Pretty? What’s the problem?”

What happened next was nothing short of jaw-dropping. Pretty trotted back to the pad, used her nose to truffle the “Pipi Kakou” button, and then looked at me with an expression that could only be interpreted as:

“This is the problem, Dad!”

How Did She Know? Pretty’s Button Mastery

This story, while undeniably funny, also reveals just how much Pretty understands about her buttons and the context in which to use them. Let’s break it down:

1. Button Context and Association:

The “There’s a problem” and “Pipi Kakou” buttons are relatively new additions to Pretty’s pad, yet she used them together with precision. This suggests she’s formed strong associations with their meanings and knows how to sequence them to convey a specific message.

2. Interpreting the Situation:

Dogs like Pretty are incredibly attuned to their environment, including scents. It’s likely that she recognized the unusual smell as something “out of place” and chose to express her observation using the most appropriate buttons at her disposal.

3. A Sense of Humor?:

While we can’t definitively say that Pretty was being intentionally funny, her behavior does hint at a playful intelligence. Her choice to communicate about the odor shows not just awareness but also a willingness to engage with the situation in a way that felt almost comedic.

Why This Matters: Lessons from Pretty’s Button Use

Pretty’s latest button interaction may seem like just a funny anecdote, but it carries important implications for how dogs perceive and use communication tools:

• Abstract Thinking: Pretty’s ability to link an odor to the “Pipi Kakou” button suggests a level of abstract reasoning. She wasn’t pointing out a literal bowel issue but rather using the tools she had to comment on the broader “problem.”

• Button Familiarity: This story highlights how quickly dogs can learn the purpose and placement of new buttons when introduced thoughtfully. Pretty’s precision with two recently added buttons shows her growing mastery of her communication system.

• Relational Humor: Whether she was trying to be funny or not, Pretty’s behavior reminds us that dogs are deeply social creatures who thrive on interaction. Her actions suggest a desire to engage and even share a lighthearted moment, demonstrating the depth of the human-dog bond.

The Bigger Picture: Dogs and Social Norms

What makes this story even more intriguing is how it mirrors social behavior in both dogs and humans. In much the same way that Lilly recently “told on herself” by finally going outside to relieve herself, Pretty’s actions here seem to enforce a kind of etiquette—whether directed at me or simply as a statement about the environment.

This behavior isn’t unique to Pretty. Dogs in social groups often display similar “enforcement” behaviors, whether by barking at disruptive peers or nudging owners to follow routines. Pretty, however, takes it to the next level with her buttons, providing a glimpse into how dogs might perceive and comment on their surroundings when given the tools to do so.

Takeaways from Pretty’s Episode

• Button communication isn’t limited to literal meanings. Dogs like Pretty show that they can use buttons in flexible and creative ways to address abstract or situational contexts.

• Humans and dogs share more than we think. Whether it’s enforcing social norms or sharing a laugh, Pretty’s actions remind us that dogs are deeply social beings who thrive on shared understanding and interaction.

• Every button press is an insight. Even in humorous moments, Pretty’s behavior provides valuable data about how dogs learn, think, and express themselves.

Final Thoughts: Pretty, the Button Whistleblower

Pretty’s ability to call out “the problem” with such accuracy and humor makes this one of the most memorable button interactions we’ve seen at CCR. It’s a testament to her intelligence, her growing confidence with the buttons, and her playful personality.

While this story might elicit a few laughs (and maybe a touch of embarrassment on my part), it ultimately highlights the incredible potential of interspecies communication. Pretty isn’t just pressing buttons—she’s making a statement, engaging in dialogue, and even bringing a little humor into our daily lives.

At CCR, we celebrate these moments for what they are: proof that dogs have so much more to say than we ever imagined. Whether they’re tattling on their housemates, commenting on their environment, or simply sharing a laugh, every button press brings us closer to understanding our canine companions.

Stay tuned for more adventures with Pretty, Lilly, and the whole CCR family—because with this crew, every day is a new discovery!