Dogs are known for their ability to communicate with their owners in various ways. Most dogs use body language and vocalizations to interact with their human companions. However, Stella, a Catahoula Leopard dog, has gained fame for her unique talent in speaking human-like sentences.
Who is Stella?
Stella is a four-year-old Catahoula Leopard dog living in Texas with her owner, Christina Hunger, a speech-language pathologist. Christina started training Stella to communicate using a special device called the "AAC" or augmentative and alternative communication device when she was just a few months old.
Christina's inspiration for training Stella came from her work with children who have communication difficulties. She discovered that the AAC device could help these children express themselves better and communicate more effectively. So, she decided to try it out with Stella and see if she could learn to use it.
What Can Stella Say?
Stella can say over 40 different sentences using her AAC device. Some of the sentences she can say include:
- "I'm hungry"
- "I want to play"
- "I love you"
- "I'm tired"
- "I need to go outside"
Stella can also combine words to make more complex sentences. For example, she can say "come play ball" or "want water now". She can also answer simple questions like "Do you want to go for a walk?" by pressing the "yes" or "no" button on her device.
How Does Stella Use the AAC Device?
Stella uses her AAC device by pressing buttons with her nose. Each button has a different symbol or picture that represents a word or phrase. When Stella presses a button, the device speaks the corresponding word or phrase out loud.
Christina used a special training method called "modeling" to teach Stella how to use the device. She would press the buttons herself to speak the words and phrases she wanted Stella to learn. Then, she would encourage Stella to press the buttons herself by giving her treats or toys as rewards.
What Can We Learn From Stella?
Stella's ability to communicate using an AAC device is a testament to the intelligence and adaptability of dogs. It also shows that with the right training and tools, dogs can overcome communication barriers and express their thoughts and feelings in ways that were once thought impossible.
Stella has also inspired many dog owners and trainers to explore new ways of communicating with their pets. Her story has been featured in numerous media outlets, and her Instagram account has over 700,000 followers.
Conclusion
Stella is a remarkable dog who has shown us that dogs are capable of much more than we give them credit for. Her use of an AAC device to communicate with her owner is a testament to her intelligence and adaptability. Her story is an inspiration to dog lovers and trainers everywhere.