Can Dogs Talk? PBS Special Examines Canine Communication

NOVA documentary explores viral 'button dogs' and whether they have a grasp of language

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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A new NOVA special on PBS examines the question of whether dogs can communicate through more than just barks, with a focus on the viral 'button dogs' phenomenon where canines press buttons labeled with words to seemingly hold conversations. The program features research from cognitive scientist Federico Rossano of UC San Diego and animal communications expert Amalia Bastos, previously of Johns Hopkins, who are studying the extent of dogs' language abilities.

Why it matters

The ability for dogs to communicate in a language-like way would fundamentally change how we understand and interact with our canine companions. While many pet owners already believe their dogs can 'talk' to them, the scientific evidence has been limited. This NOVA special aims to rigorously examine the claims around 'button dogs' and other examples of apparent canine communication.

The details

The NOVA program explores the case of Stella, a dog whose owner Christina Hunger, a speech therapist, has taught to 'talk' by pressing buttons labeled with words. Stella's ability to accurately respond to questions by pressing the corresponding buttons has gone viral online and drawn the attention of researchers. The documentary also looks at the work of Rossano and Bastos, who are conducting wide-ranging studies to determine the extent to which dogs can comprehend and use language.

  • The NOVA special 'Can Dogs Talk?' aired on PBS on February 3, 2026.

The players

Federico Rossano

A cognitive scientist at the University of California, San Diego who is featured in the NOVA special for his research on canine communication.

Amalia Bastos

An animal communications specialist previously at Johns Hopkins University who collaborated with Rossano on research explored in the NOVA program.

Christina Hunger

A speech therapist who has taught her dog Stella to 'talk' by pressing buttons labeled with words, drawing viral attention and the interest of researchers.

Stella

Hunger's dog who has gained fame online for her ability to 'talk' by pressing buttons, which is a key focus of the NOVA special.

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What they’re saying

“It's hard not to be convinced—or swayed—by what one sees via short-form videos.”

— John Anderson (WSJ.com)

The takeaway

This NOVA special highlights the ongoing scientific debate around the extent of dogs' language abilities, with researchers closely examining examples like the 'button dogs' phenomenon to better understand the limits and potential of canine communication. The findings could fundamentally reshape how we view and interact with our canine companions.