The Importance of Start Buttons

Start buttons are behaviors that dogs use to communicate their desire for us to do something. This can be as simple as a dog barking at the door to be let out. Start buttons allow us to check in with our dogs about what we're about to do and give them the ability to answer yes or no. They are natural ways for dogs to communicate with us, as they communicate through behavior while we communicate through language. Start buttons are beneficial in training as they give our dogs control and agency, which creates a sense of safety and allows for more buy-in and engagement in the training process.