Pit Bull mix
Lisa Clifton-Bumpass
Lisa Clifton-Bumpass
CAP1
Prepping for CAP2 and K9MS1
Sarah Bella was a pound puppy who was abandoned in the hight drop box of the Oakland Muni Animal shelter in California at about 10 months of age in 2005. She has significant brain dysfunction that effects her balance, muscle coordination, cognition, learning and executive functions.
We have been unable to determine the full scope of her brain dysfunction issues as vet neurologists do not have the tools available to them that are used in the diagnosis of humans with the same physical issues. Many of her symptoms are similar to the birth defect known as Cerebellar Hypoplasia found in children.
Clicker based training is the only methodology that allows Sarah to learn complex issues such as sitting in a balanced position by clicking the fine muscle control required to sit still. Thus far, Sarah Bella has learned her name, come, sit, leave it, wait at doors and many other "normal" dog behaviors. Our goal is to teach her whatever will improve the quality of her life that she enjoys.
Sarah is currently learning scent discrimination, tracking, beginning obedience & agility and tricks with the use of a clicker. She has a large fan club of professional trainers, pet owners, vets, and regular folk.
Sarah lives with several other dogs and a cat in a rich and full environment. We hope that her life and learning will spark interest in other professions that touch people's lives with the same types of disorders.Â
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