Catch Bert and Ernie in action on Instagram @bertandernie_bestfriends.

Q. So Robin, who are these learners of yours?

Bert and Ernie are best buds who arrived in my life right around the same time. Bert is almost 4 years old; he’s a laid-back, loving mini Bernedoodle who enjoys trail walks, cuddles, and chatting through buttons. He’s just moving beyond the babbling stage and has started stringing together phrases, making his communication more dynamic every day.

Ernie, just over 4 years old, is a curious and independent cat who’s always on the prowl for button-pressing fun—especially when it involves his favorite ‘Treato’ button. He also enjoys bird watching at his window mounted hammock and bird feeder. Together, they bring their own style and charm to every button conversation!

Q. What was your learner’s first connect button?

Treato.

Q. Which connect buttons do your learners use?

Treato, Tuna Flakes, Window, Water

Q. What inspired you to do button teaching?

Teaching buttons isn't just about the novelty of hearing words from my pets; it’s about increasing their agency. I wanted to empower both learners to make choices and express themselves in ways they couldn’t before. It's been an incredible way to discover more about who they are as individuals—their preferences, their routines, and even their sense of humor.

Beyond the practical benefits, button teaching has been a powerful tool for deepening our bond and building a shared language. It’s not just about what they can say; it’s about what we can learn together and how that shapes our relationship. I’m continually amazed at the insights this journey has brought, not only into their world but also into my role as their guide.

**Q. What’s your funniest button moment?**

One of my funniest button moments was when Bert decided to initiate play with Ernie using his buttons. He pressed “cat” and “friend” followed by “play,” and Ernie looked at him with this hilariously unimpressed expression, as if to say, “Really? Right now?” It was amazing to see Bert using the buttons to actively ask Ernie to play with him, even though Ernie sometimes isn’t quite as enthusiastic about the idea.

**Q. What’s your most surprising connect button moment?**

One of the most surprising moments was when Ernie pressed buttons while I was in a completely different room. Normally, he presses when he’s near me or sees me respond. But one day, as I was in another room, I heard the “Treato” button. It was as if he was actively trying to reach out and get my attention, even though I wasn’t nearby. That independent press from Ernie showed me just how much he was understanding the power of the buttons for connection.

Q. How have the connect Kit's improved your experience?

The ability to track metrics, understand the usage of the buttons, see presses when I'm either not home or not in the same room.

Q. What are your favorite Stats on the Fluent Pet Connect App?

My favorite stats are clicking on the learner's picture, going to the stats page, filtering for a date range and seeing how many presses they've had as well as their top 5 and the bottom 5 used buttons as well as the most modeled and least modeled buttons.

Q. What challenges have you faced with button teaching?

Ernie was quite stubborn. He was introduced to the buttons in April and didn't start independently pressing until October. I tried lots of different buttons with him that I thought might be motivating such as Closet for access to my closet, treato, play, pets, scritches, etc. Ultimately he just needed time. He took to target training quickly and could mechanically press the buttons very easily, just didn't press them on his own until recently.

Q. How did you overcome them?

We stuck with it. I also changed the location of his board from on my kitchen island to my bedroom floor where I spend a lot of my time so I could model more and it was closer to where he spent most of his time. Additionally Bert matured and wasn't as guardy over the buttons and let Ernie have his own buttons and Bert mostly sticks to his.

Q. How have buttons changed your relationship with your learner?

We're still new to independent presses, but, I am so proud of his new skills.

Q. What advice would you give to others who are interested in teaching their learners to use buttons?

Never ever give up! Every learner is capable and will find what motivates them in their own time. Keep trying. Use the community as a resource, there are so many knowledgeable people who are willing to provide their experience.