The Washington PostThe Washington Post

Can dogs talk by pressing buttons? What science says about the debate

By Marlene Cimons

21 Mar 2023 · 5 min read

Editor's Note

The Post reports on a recent study which collected thousands of accounts from the owners of "button" dogs. These proud owners believe their furry friends tap buttons with prerecorded words to talk.

Sascha Crasnow believes that Parker, her two-year-old Beagle mix, can "speak" to her by using her paw to tap buttons with prerecorded words on them.

The dog recently coined a new term for ambulance, after spotting one parked outside, by pressing the buttons "squeaker" and then "car," she says. During a visit from Crasnow's father, the dog asked his name by using three buttons: "what," "word" and "human."

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