What is Augmentative Interspecies Communication (AIC)?
Augmentative Interspecies Communication, or AIC, is a groundbreaking, scientifically-studied approach to fostering meaningful dialogue between humans and their canine, feline, and the other animals we share our lives with. Using intuitive, customizable buttons, AIC empowers animals to "use their words," giving them a clear, structured way to express thoughts, needs, and desires.
The Science Behind AIC
From Simple Words to Complex Conversations
At its heart, AIC revolves around specially-designed, recordable buttons, each programmed with a specific word like "play," "water," or "outside." Through consistent, scaffolded learning—a step-by-step process where each small achievement paves the way for the next—dogs and cats begin to associate these buttons with their corresponding meanings.
Initially, your learner starts with simple, high-reward words, like "food”, “ball”, or “scritches”. As your dog or cat gets more capable you can incrementally introduce additional buttons, enabling them to build more complex and expressive combinations of ideas—like "outside play" or "help water."
How Does AIC Work?
Backed by Science, Powered by Curiosity
AIC isn't magic—it's inspired and informed by the communication approaches of speech language pathology (AAC: alternative and augmentative communication devices) and scientists who have studied language use in other animals. Through extensive collaboration with researchers, FluentPet contributes to the study of how animals interact with AIC devices.
By systematically documenting and analyzing these interactions, we're not only enhancing dogs’ and cats’ capacity for communication but also gaining invaluable insights into their cognitive worlds.
Why Practice AIC?
The value of AIC extends beyond the novelty of seeing animals "talk." It can fundamentally transform how we relate to dogs and cats. Customer have reported to us that AIC:
Reduces
When your companion can clearly communicate their needs, we have found that daily interactions become less stressful and more harmonious.
Empowers
Our customers report that offering animals the ability to voice themselves with specificity helps them feel more in control, confident, and engaged in their daily environment.
Deepens
As communication scaffolds in complexity mutual understanding grows, fostering stronger emotional bonds and greater mutual respect.
Join the AIC Community
FluentPet isn't just about buttons—it's about community
We've consolidated years of user experiences, tips, and successes into comprehensive educational resources available at community.fluent.pet. Whether you're just starting your journey or expanding an existing vocabulary, our resources provide the structured support you need.
Every press is progress
Join us in exploring the remarkable potential of Augmentative Interspecies Communication and deepen your connection with your animal companion, one button at a time.
Does using buttons conflict with my companion’s natural communication?
Customers have repeatedly reported that buttons enabled them to better understand their dog or cat’s body language by providing a second channel that serves to clarify existing behavioral signals.
Is this form of communication "unnatural"?
Humans and animals have communicated and evolved together for tens of thousands of years. AIC is simply the latest chapter in this long history of coevolution, continuing a tradition of interspecies understanding that began with the earliest human-animal partnerships.