I’ve been teaching my Cane Corso, TuxnDog, to use talking buttons for years. She has a vocabulary of over 100 words and phrases, and she learns new buttons quickly because of how I introduce them. This method works for her because it taps into her natural curiosity, builds on what she already knows, and delivers consistent, immediate results.
While this process works for experienced dogs, it’s also a good starting point for first-time button users. I recommend the first button be snack or treat or a particular food item. And introduced by itself, of course not with another button they don’t know yet.
“This INSTANT”Real Dog In Real Hurry To Learn New Urgency Talking Button… 
Side-Eyed PressWhy I Don’t Model Buttons for Her Anymores
TuxnDog loves to explore every new button instantly the moment it’s presented. I don’t need to physically press it for her — she’s eager to find out what the new button will get her.
The way I introduce a button ensures she understands its meaning and how to use it in context right away.
Step-by-Step: Introducing a New Button (when at least one button has been learned prior.)
1) Pair it with a known favorite.
When I want to teach a new word or phrase, I choose one button she already knows well — often a food she loves. For example, today I introduced “this instant” by pairing it with “chicken,” a button she has used for over two years.
2) Keep the setup simple and away from her main speech station(s.)
I start in a separate spot with just the two buttons — the new one and the known one. This keeps distractions to a minimum.
3) To trigger the known button first.
I place the chicken button down. She presses it instantly because she knows it means she’s getting chicken, which I already have ready.
4) Ask for timing.
When she presses “chicken,” I ask, “When do you want the chicken?” or something similar. This naturally leads her to try the new button out of curiosity.
5) Deliver immediately.
The moment she presses “this instant,” I deliver the chicken swiftly and directly to her mouth. That instant reward makes the meaning of the urgency button crystal clear. She well understand that by pressing the urgency button she will get the chicken faster.
6) Repeat in two short sessions the same day.
We do two identical lessons, separated by a break. That’s enough for her to get the idea without overdoing it.
The Next Day
1) Place the new button next to the known one.
The day after the lesson, I place “this instant” next to “chicken” in one of her main button cluster areas while she watches.
2) Expect immediate use.
She will always use it right away because she remembers the connection. This is why I don’t integrate the new button into her main board immediately after the first lesson — otherwise, she’ll keep asking for chicken, this instant long after she’s had enough.
3) Avoid ignoring requests.
When a dog is learning a new button, you never want to ignore their request or say “no.” That can confuse them and weaken the association you’re building. Consistency is key just as in any dog training sessions.
Expanding the Button’s Use
Once she understands the button fully, she starts using it for other things — not just chicken. She figures out on her own that she can add an urgency word to any request if she wants it faster.
If I don’t have what she’s asking for handy, I tell her, “OK, wait, I’m getting it,” and I make motion toward getting it. If I’m too slow, she’ll escalate — stacking other phrases like “Mama,” “Room service,” “Get to crackin,” and then give me the command again for the particular item.
Some of Tuxn’s urgency vocabulary that she understands well includes:
- “I can’t wait.”
- “I need it now.”
- “If not now, when?
Why This Works for Us
- Curiosity: She wants to explore new buttons immediately.
- Connection: Pairing a new concept with a beloved, known word makes meaning clear.
- Consistency: Every press during the learning phase is rewarded exactly the same way.
- Patience: We wait a day before moving the new button into the main board to prevent overuse.
Four Buttons Every Dog Should Learn First
While TuxnDog’s vocabulary is far more extensive than necessary, I believe every button-using dog should start with four basics for their happiness and health:
- Potty
- Fresh Water
- Food
- Exercise
Final Thought
Teaching a dog to use talking buttons isn’t about rushing to add more words. It’s about making sure each new button is introduced with purpose, in a way that’s easy to understand, and always paired with consistent follow-through.
With this method, you’re not just adding vocabulary — you’re building a shared language that your dog will use confidently and creatively for years to come.