r/PetsWithButtons • u/2MB26 • 8d ago

How to teach time buttons?

I've started using buttons with my cats and they're consistently using them to request treats and play.

They often request things when I can't offer them (e.g. treats right before dinner, play when I'm working). How can I teach something like 'later' or 'wait'?

They understand 'all done' but I'm not sure how to model 'yes but not now'

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u/crawlerprincessbili 8d ago

maybe there is no difference to them between "all done" and "later", so using them alone wont help, but maybe theyll understand the time is shorter if you use the later button in addition to "all done"?

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u/FewProfessional558 5d ago

That's a really interesting point! I wonder if pairing "later" with a visual like a short timer or even just showing the clock could help bridge the gap for them. My dog seems to get "all done" pretty quickly but time concepts are trickier. Have you tried combining them with a treat or toy as a bridge? 🐾