How Can Animals Help Your Late Talker Toddler?
Updated: Aug 25
In this article we will discuss:
Here are some fun ways to interact with animals and improve your child’s language skills, or work together with these pictures!
Tip: use pictures and "WH" questions
Speech-language pathologists utilize “wh” questions to teach children various language concepts. There are different “wh” questions, including “what” “where” “when” “who” and “why.”
Below are some examples for opportunities to ask your child some “wh” questions. I’ll demonstrate with pictures, but real life is even better! You may notice some highlighted keywords in the responses, like ON or BY because those are some concepts we are trying to teach the child!
What are the dogs doing?
You can ask your child, “What are the dogs doing?”
Your child might respond with, “play” or “playing.”
You can then model, “The dogs are playing” and ask “Why do dogs play?”
Your child might say, “to have fun” or “fun.”
You can model, “The dogs play to have fun.”
Use animals to develop your child's speech.
Is the dog on the couch or on the floor?
You can also take an opportunity to give a choice of two answers for some questions.
Ask your child, “Is the dog on the couch or on the floor?”
Then model, “The dog is on the couch.”
Why is the dog in the bed?
Ask your child, “Why is the dog in the bed?”
Then model, “The dog is sleepy” or “The dog is tired.”
Where is the cat?
Ask your child, “Where is the cat?”
Then model, “The cat is ON the table.”
Where is the cat?
Ask your child, “Where is the cat?”
Then model, “The cat is IN the bed.”
Ask your child, “When do cats sleep?”
“All day.”
“When do you sleep?”
“At night.”
Where is the cat?
Ask your child, “Where is the cat?”
Then model, “The cat is ON the chair.”
Where is the fish?
Ask your child, “Where is the fish?”
Then model, “The fish is IN the water” or “The fish is BY the rocks.”
At the Zoo
This approach can also work at the zoo! On your next visit, try asking your child "wh" questions, like the ones below, about the zoo animals.
What is the elephant doing?
Ask your child, “What is the elephant doing?”
Then model, “The elephant is eating.”
Ask your child, “Why is the elephant eating?”
Then model, “The elephant is hungry.”
Where are the lions?
Ask your child, “Where are the lions?”
Then model, “The lions are ON the rock.”
Where are the flamingos?
Ask your child, “Where are the flamingos?”
Then model, “The flamingos are IN the water.”
Where is the monkey?
Ask your child, “Where is the Monkey? Is the Monkey IN the tree, or ON the grass?”
Then model, "The monkey is IN the tree."
Asking your child "wh" questions about their favorite animal's behavior can make improving language skills fun!
These are different ways to develop your late talker's speech and language skills. At Better Speech, we offer online speech therapy services convenient for you and tailored to your child's individual needs. Our services are affordable and effective - get Better Speech now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can spending time with a pet really help my toddler start talking more?
Yes, pets can be surprisingly powerful motivators for language development. Children often feel less pressure talking to animals than to adults, which encourages them to vocalize, name things, and narrate what they see. While pet interaction is a great supplement, it works best alongside structured support from a licensed speech-language pathologist.
What kinds of things should I say or do while my toddler plays with our pet?
Use simple, repeated words and short phrases like 'soft dog,' 'kitty eating,' or 'pat the bunny.' Follow your child's gaze and label whatever the animal is doing in real time. This kind of responsive, play-based narration is exactly what speech therapists recommend to build early vocabulary and communication skills.
My toddler is 2 years old and only says a few words. Should I be worried, and when should I seek help?
Most children say at least 50 words and begin combining two words by age 2, so fewer words than that is worth discussing with a professional. The earlier intervention begins, the better the outcomes tend to be. Better Speech connects families with licensed speech-language pathologists online, with no waitlists and services that work with most insurance plans.
Are some pets better than others for encouraging a late talker to communicate?
Dogs and cats are especially effective because they respond to sound and movement, which naturally prompts children to call out, direct, or comment on their behavior. Even watching fish or a bird can build attention and spark labeling. The key is consistent, supervised interaction where a caregiver actively models language alongside the child.
Will my child outgrow being a late talker on their own, or do pets and activities like this make a real difference?
Some late talkers do catch up without intervention, but research shows that early support leads to better long-term language outcomes. Enriching activities like pet interaction build motivation and practice opportunities, but they are not a substitute for professional evaluation. A speech-language pathologist can assess whether your child needs targeted therapy or simply more time and encouragement.
About the Author
Aycen Zambuto
I’m a seasoned educator in speech therapy with over six years of experience helping people navigate challenges in communication. Throughout this time, I’ve found joy in guiding individuals through a variety of therapeutic journeys, from toddlers with apraxia to seniors with dysphonia.
I’m passionate about demystifying this complex world of speech therapy and helping readers around the globe achieve clear and effective communication. When I’m not writing about speech, you’ll often find me reading, traveling or spending time with friends and family.
