1. Don’t start with food or treat button as it can be an annoyingly overused one!

2. Start with familiar words within familiar routines.

3. Teach buttons when your pup is alert, calm and not sleepy, excitable or distracted.

4. Don’t let your pet play with the buttons like a toy. Using play mats with holes, blue tac or Velcro help anchor the buttons down, if required. It will be normal that they will play with the words at first for fun – like a baby babbling loudly and practicing sounds and words like mama, mama, mama.

5. Remember every dog is different. Your pet will respond at their own pace. Be calm and enjoy the bonding process.