Research from UC San Diego, led by cognitive scientist Federico Rossano, is highlighted in an upcoming NOVA episode titled “Can Dogs Talk?” This episode investigates whether dogs can communicate meaningfully through soundboard buttons and examines the implications for understanding language and cognition.
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The documentary is based on extensive research conducted at UC San Diego, focusing on how dogs utilize buttons programmed with specific words to communicate requests to their owners. Unlike viral videos showcasing “talking dogs,” Rossano and his team aim to apply scientific methods to explore what these behaviors reveal about canine cognition and symbolic communication.
Rossano, who is the director of the Comparative Cognition Lab and an associate professor of cognitive science, stated, “What interested us wasn’t whether dogs are speaking like humans. It was what these tools can reveal about dogs’ minds, and how their behavior might help scientists better understand symbolic communication and its limits.”
The research combines controlled experiments with extensive citizen science, engaging thousands of dog owners who contributed data from home settings. Findings indicate that dogs trained to use soundboards can reply appropriately to specific words and occasionally utilize consistent two-word phrases, though this does not suggest they understand human language.
Additionally, this work contributes to broader discussions in the scientific community regarding the emergence of language-like communication and cognitive similarities across species. The research has garnered considerable attention, including a recent feature in the year-end highlights of the University of California Office of the President.
“Can Dogs Talk?” is set to premiere on PBS on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 9 p.m. ET/PT and will also be available for online streaming.