As a parent to a highly intelligent pup like Pharaby, I’ve always been fascinated by the ways in which dogs can communicate with us. For as long as I can remember, I’ve talked to my animals just as I would with another person. Even as a child, I knew deep down that they understood me, and this belief only grew stronger over the years.
When Pharaby came into my life, that understanding reached a whole new level. I was 1000% sure that she understood me, even before we started using AIC buttons/Soundboard devices. I’m just glad that this new research is out so everyone else can finally see the truth I’ve known my whole life!
The study, recently published in PLOS ONE, investigates how dogs utilize AIC systems to convey their needs and emotions. While Pharaby and I are not specifically mentioned in the study, we have been submitting data to similar research projects since March of 2021, which aligns with the findings of this important study. The findings suggest that dogs are capable of learning complex communication patterns, and this aligns perfectly with what we’ve observed with Pharaby.
One of the key takeaways from this study is that dogs can learn to associate specific words with actions or objects, a concept. For instance, Pharaby has learned to use words combos like "fridge carrot toppl to order her ideal meal", "we play rings" to incite me to play ring toss with her, and even specific colors, demonstrating her ability to connect words with physical actions & objects.
The findings in this study align perfectly with the incredible progress Pharaby has made and shed light on the potential for AIC to transform how we interact with all of our canine companions. It’s exciting to be part of a movement that could redefine the future of dog-human relationships. I Believe this will be a defining moment in history and I'm so happy to be a part of it in our own way!
If you’re interested in teaching your dog how to communicate using AIC, I’ve created a comprehensive teaching book that covers everything you need to know. From the basics of getting started to advanced training techniques, it’s a resource I wish I had when we first began our journey. You can learn more and get your copy below.
The relationship between dogs and their human parents is evolving, and research like this plays a crucial role in that transformation. By understanding and supporting our dogs’ communication abilities, we’re not just enhancing their lives; we’re building deeper, more meaningful connections with them.
Note: Pharaby started using buttons in April of 2020 but we didn't know anyone else with buttons or the research being done until March of 2021 At the time we started to submit data for the study Pharaby had 20 buttons. She now has 127.
This is the paper I'm referring to: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0307189
