Got Questions?
We've Got Answers.

Yes! Button training is suitable for dogs of all ages and breeds — from puppies to senior dogs. Whether you have a Border Collie, a Chihuahua or anything in between, dogs are naturally communicative animals and can learn to use buttons to express themselves. The key is patience, consistency and positive reinforcement — all of which we teach you in the course.

Absolutely not! You really can teach an old dog new tricks. Senior dogs can absolutely learn to use buttons — in fact, many older dogs take to it beautifully because they are calmer and more focused. The pace may be a little slower, but the results are just as rewarding. We have had wonderful results with dogs well into their double digits.

Not at all. The Talking Dog course is designed specifically for everyday dog owners with no training background whatsoever. We start from the very beginning and guide you through each step in a clear, friendly and easy-to-follow way. If you love your dog and want to communicate better with them, that is all you need.

Button training sessions should be kept short and fun — we recommend just 5 to 10 minutes per day. The beauty of this method is that it is woven naturally into your everyday life with your dog rather than requiring dedicated training sessions. The more you interact with your dog, the faster they progress.

Always start with just one button. We guide you on which word to start with and how to introduce it. Rushing to add multiple buttons too quickly is one of the most common mistakes people make, and it can confuse your dog. In the course we cover exactly when and how to add new buttons so your dog progresses confidently at the right pace.

Not at all — quite the opposite. Dogs are naturally communicative, social animals who thrive when they feel understood. Button training gives dogs an outlet to express their needs, emotions and desires in a way they cannot otherwise. Our entire method is force-free, reward-based and grounded in the science of animal cognition. Many dogs who use buttons show reduced anxiety and improved behaviour.

The Talking Dog course includes a comprehensive video-based curriculum, step-by-step written guides, real-world demonstrations with Kenny and his dogs, troubleshooting lessons, guidance on button selection and placement, and ongoing module updates. Everything you need from day one through to advanced multi-button communication is included.

Yes, completely. There are no deadlines, no live sessions you have to attend and no pressure to finish by a certain date. You work through the material at whatever pace suits you and your dog. Many students revisit earlier modules as their dog progresses, and that is absolutely encouraged.

You have lifetime access to the course. Once you enrol, the content is yours forever — including any future updates or new modules we add. This also means you can use it with any future dogs you have.

Yes. The course platform works on all modern devices — phone, tablet, laptop or desktop. You can pick up exactly where you left off on any device, at any time. We recommend having your phone nearby during training sessions so you can easily refer to the lesson while working with your dog.

We offer a full 30-day money-back guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with the course, simply email us within 30 days of purchase and we will issue a full refund — no questions asked. We are confident you will love it, but we want you to feel completely risk-free. You can read our full Refund Policy here.

It is a single one-off payment of £79.99 for lifetime access. There are no recurring fees, no hidden charges and no subscription. Pay once, learn forever.

We cover button recommendations inside the course, where we explain exactly what to look for — durability, sound clarity and the right size for your dog. You do not need to spend a fortune; there are excellent options at a range of price points. We also explain which features matter most so you can make an informed choice.

Button placement is covered in detail in the course. As a general principle, buttons should be placed somewhere your dog naturally spends time, at a height they can comfortably reach with their paw. Consistency in placement is key — once a button is in a spot, keep it there so your dog builds a clear association between the word and the button.

This varies hugely from dog to dog and owner to owner. Some dogs comfortably use 5 to 10 buttons to communicate basic needs and feelings. Others — with time, dedication and the right environment — progress to 30 or 40 or even more. There is no fixed end point; you go as far as you and your dog want to go.

We guide you through exactly which words to start with and in what order to introduce new ones throughout the course. As a starting point, it is best to focus on words your dog already understands and that are highly relevant to their daily life — words connected to their key needs and favourite activities. The course provides a full framework for this.

Completely normal! In the early stages, dogs often press buttons out of curiosity or excitement rather than intentional communication. This is actually a positive sign — it means your dog is engaging with the buttons. In the course we explain exactly how to respond to random presses in a way that helps your dog move from exploration to intentional use.

Many students see their dog interacting with their first button within the first week. However, meaningful intentional communication — where your dog is clearly pressing a button to express a specific need — typically begins to develop over the first few weeks to a couple of months. Every dog learns at their own pace, and the course helps you understand and celebrate the small milestones along the way.

This is one of the most common concerns, and it is almost always solvable. In the course we cover troubleshooting in detail — from choosing more motivating words, to adjusting placement, to changing how you model button use. Patience is essential. Some dogs take a few days to warm up; others take a few weeks. We have not yet encountered a dog who could not eventually engage with buttons given the right approach.

Research into animal cognition shows that dogs can learn to associate words with concepts, objects and actions. While we cannot claim dogs understand language the way humans do, the evidence from thousands of dogs using button boards — including ongoing academic studies — strongly suggests that dogs do develop meaningful associations with specific words and can use them to initiate communication. Many of our students are left in no doubt once they see it happening with their own dog.

Yes, in many cases. A significant number of behavioural problems in dogs stem from frustration, anxiety or an inability to communicate their needs. When dogs gain a way to express themselves, many of these frustrations reduce. Students frequently report improvements in barking, whining, destructive behaviour and separation anxiety after beginning button training. That said, for serious behavioural problems we always recommend consulting a qualified professional behaviourist alongside our course.