Ologies with Alie Ward Speech Language Pathology (TALKING DOGS... AND PEOPLE) with Christina Hunger
May 4, 2021
Christina Hunger, a renowned speech pathologist, is on a mission to unlock communication for both humans and dogs. She shares her journey of teaching her dog Stella to use recordable buttons for expressing needs and emotions, blurring the lines between pet and owner communication. The conversation dives into the nuances of speech therapy, AAC methods, and how empathy shapes language learning. Christina also touches on her experiences writing a book, revealing secrets that every pet owner can use to enhance their furry companions' communication skills.
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Speech vs. Language
- Speech is the physical act of producing sounds, while language encompasses understanding and using words.
- One can have perfect speech with a language delay or perfect language with a speech impediment.
Stella's First Words
- Christina Hunger used recordable buttons for her dog Stella, starting with words like "outside," "play," and "water."
- Stella's first independently spoken word, "outside," signaled her need to go to the bathroom.
Stella's Expanding Vocabulary
- Initially, Stella used "water" to request a drink.
- She later used it to comment on Christina watering plants, demonstrating an understanding beyond basic needs.
