If you love Sci-Fi movies, you’ve probably seen a plot where animals gradually take over the world. Don’t worry, we haven’t found such an animal yet, but the dog in today’s story might just be on that path.
This extraordinary dog, known as the “talking dog,” has abilities that go beyond the ordinary. Her owner, who helped her develop these skills, made sure everyone could see what this amazing pup is capable of.
The Viral “Talking Dog” Video
In the age of AI and futuristic robots, 21st-century technology seems limitless. Yet, have you ever seen a dog that can communicate effortlessly with its owner every day?
We’re not saying that Copper, a 3-year-old red fox Labrador Retriever, opens her mouth and speaks like a human. However, the fact that her owner, Tia Herrel, a speech pathologist from California, can communicate with her using augmentative and alternative communication methods is impressive.
Source: New York Post
This method involves using a special “Risk” game-esque motherboard for communication, rather than speech. In a viral TikTok video with millions of views, this clever dog shows off her skills.
Copper’s Communication Skills
In the viral video, Copper uses her buttons to show concern after Tia starts coughing. The clip shows Copper pressing a button that says “Worried,” prompting Tia to ask “Why” using another button.
Copper responds by pressing a button that says “Mommy.” Tia then asks, “You’re worried about Mommy? Why? Worried. Mommy.” Copper presses the “Sound” button, and Tia quickly realizes that Copper is worried about her coughing. Tia reassures Copper by pressing the “Ouch” button and telling her that everything is fine.
Source: New York Post
Copper: The Canine Genius?
Some people might call Copper the Einstein or Stephen Hawking of dogs, but Tia has a different view. In an interview with the New York Post, she said, “I would say that Copper is just an ordinary dog with extreme emotional intelligence.”
Copper’s Early Steps in Communication
Source: New York Post
Tia didn’t start her TikTok account, @thechattylab, right away. It was a long journey to get Copper to this level of communication. Tia was inspired by another speech pathologist using this method with her pet and decided to try it out. She ordered recordable buttons and built a talking board.
“Copper started using the buttons at four months old, and it really helped with potty training,” Tia told NeedToKnow.co.uk. “She picked it up quickly and started using the buttons within the first week.”
Since then, Copper has learned to use the buttons to ask for different toys, inquire about family members, ask for treats, express her feelings, show worry, ask for a ride, and ask about her human sister, Savannah, and more.
Source: New York Post
As Copper grew, her personality changed, and Tia, being able to communicate with her, noticed it more than most owners would. “When she was younger, she talked about her toys and playing a lot. Now she talks more about her family and how she feels. Copper is very emotional and loves her family immensely,” Tia explained.
Reactions from Followers
Source: @thechattylab
The viral video isn’t the only one Tia has shared. Many other videos show Copper communicating, which has impressed countless people and sparked numerous reactions.
One fan commented, “This is amazing! How clever and beautiful is your dog.” Another added, “Animals are SO much smarter than people realize. This is amazing!” A third noted, “A dog can know as many words as a 3-year-old human … Idk about you but 3-year-olds are know-it-alls.”
Source: @thechattylab
Skeptics and Experts Weigh In
Not everyone is convinced by Copper’s talking abilities. Some viewers think it’s a case of extreme anthropomorphism.
Experts have also shared their opinions. Sarah-Elizabeth Byosiere, director of the Thinking Dog Center at Hunter College, told the Washington Post, “Our dogs have been ‘talking’ to us this whole time, but we just haven’t been ‘listening.’”
Regardless of the skepticism, Copper has shown her communication skills to a large audience. We look forward to future scientific discoveries that might allow us to understand our canine friends even better.
Who knows? Maybe one day our dogs will ask us, “How are you?” We are certainly living in an exciting time, full of possibilities.
Final Thoughts
Copper’s story is a testament to the incredible intelligence and emotional depth of dogs. With the right tools and patience, it’s amazing what our furry friends can achieve. As technology and our understanding of animal communication continue to evolve, who knows what the future holds? For now, Copper and Tia’s journey is an inspiring example of the bond between humans and dogs.
