Teaching a dog to "talk"

I've heard dogs "talk". Granted, they're repeating a sound or string of sounds that sounds almost intelligible - but the point is, it's "said" in the proper context.

The best one was Rocky (RIP), my neighbor's malamute. He would say "I love you" (Rye Ruv Roo) to anyone who would give him some attention for it. One day, he was in the house while his owners were gone, which he HATED. I was watering shrubs on that side of my house, and could hear Rocky at the window, professing his undying love for me....LOL! until I finally yelled back "I love you too, Rocky - but I'm NOT letting you out!" He knew what I said - there was nothing but silence after that.

My dear sweet Ike (RIP) was quite the talker, having been raised next door to Rocky....LOL! His one word (but it was handy) was "wah" - I'm rather positive he was saying he "wah"nted something, because I could ask "what do you wahnt?" and he would take me to the empty food dish, or stuck toy, or whatever...

Now Ben is showing signs of being a talker. I've been working with him to polish up "owf", which is Ben-speak for OUT. Last night he walked up to me, and in his most respectful voice, simply said "owf" and then walked to the door. This will be crazy-handy for those times when we're someplace he either doesn't know which door to sit by; or in the RV going down the road and he needs to potty....