How Stella Learned to Talk: The Groundbreaking Story of the World's First Talking Dog

by Christina Hunger

TAKEAWAYS FOR TEACHING YOUR DOG Model two-word phrases. Help your dog learn to combine words by talking in short phrases, and using your dog’s buttons as you talk. When your dog starts using single words frequently, be on the lookout for word combinations. Program words that your dog reacts strongly to. Are there any words that your dog waits around for you to say, or that you have to spell out so your dog doesn’t overhear your plans? If your dog understands a word, give her a chance to be able to say it too! Keep all words available for your dog to say. If you can’t say yes to what your dog is asking for, or if your dog is asking for the same thing over and over again, respond with “no,” “all done,” or “later” instead of taking your dog’s buttons away. Give your dog a chance to learn boundaries, and how frequently to ask for something. It takes time to learn the social rules of language.