AAC vs. AIC: Clearing the Confusion in Dog Talking Buttons

🐕‍🦺 My Dog Guilt-Trips Me; Daddy Would! Then Finishes My Sentence🤣 [TuxnDog] #Shorts #DogMind

Introduction: Why This Matters

In the world of dog talking buttons, there’s one small detail that causes big confusion — the terminology. Many people call these buttons “AAC” devices. In human communication, AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) is a broad category of tools, often including tablet-like devices with symbol grids. But when it comes to interspecies communication, there’s a more accurate term: AIC — Augmentative Interspecies Communication.

Where the Mix-Up Began

Early pet-button enthusiasts borrowed “AAC” from human speech therapy without realizing it described a much broader category.
Social media tutorials and viral videos repeated the term, making it stick in the dog button community.
Brands, bloggers, and even some trainers adopted AAC without cross-checking the formal definition. Or prefer to use the most searched term.

The True Definition of AAC

Originated in human communication science.
Covers both low-tech and high-tech communication aids.
Often involves electronic devices with visual symbol grids — not physical, individual buttons.

The Rise of AIC

Coined for the animal-human communication space.
Refers specifically to the use of tools (like pet talking buttons) that allow animals to communicate with humans.
Recognized by certain research groups, educators, and companies like UC San Diego in dog language and FluentPet in marketing.

Why Accuracy Matters

Clear terminology helps the field gain credibility in research and media.
Reduces confusion when pet parents look for information or training guidance.
Supports clearer communication between trainers, researchers, and the public.

How I Use AIC in TuxnDog’s Training

In two years of daily communication work.
100+ button vocabulary across multiple categories.
Full back-and-forth conversations that show comprehension, not just mimicry.

The Takeaway

Calling dog talking buttons “AAC” isn’t wrong in the loosest sense — they are, after all, augmentative and alternative forms of communication. But AIC is a more precise and respectful term for the growing field of interspecies dialogue. As awareness spreads, accuracy will help both trainers and learners move the field forward with accuracy in terminology.