International Journal of Comparative Psychology

This paper reviews the effectiveness and application of communication buttons as a means of interaction with domestic dogs (Canis familiaris), based on the personal experiences of users. The results showed that dogs are capable of communicating through buttons, expressing their needs, and forming multi-word phrases. The highest success rate was observed in medium and large breeds between the ages of 6 months and 5 years. Nearly half of the dogs learned to use their first button within a week, although button spamming behavior was also observed in some individuals. Statistical analysis revealed that dogs preferred specific word categories (particularly activity/place and reward), although differences in the intensity of usage between categories were not statistically significant due to high variability within groups. The ability to combine words into more complex expressions was observed in approximately half of the dogs. The findings also suggest that independent button use can sometimes lead to less purposeful patterns, such as repeatedly pressing buttons ("spamming").