Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for training both non-humans and humans to communicate more effectively than previously possible. In one aspect a system for communicating with an animal comprises a plurality of tiles operably connected to one another, each tile comprising one or more buttons, an infrared transmitter and receiver assembly, a microprocessor, a speaker controlled by the microprocessor, and an audio amplifier connected to the speaker, where the infrared transmitter and receiver assembly transfers information to and from at least one other of the plurality of tiles, and where when one of the one or more buttons are pushed by the animal, the speaker emits a sound that can be heard through the speaker by the animal.