Buzz
While basic commands like sit, stay, heel, and lay down are standard for most dog owners, some go the extra mile by teaching their pets to play dead, beg, roll over, or shake. However, for a select few, these tricks are merely the beginning. These 11 remarkable dogs have learned an array of fascinating skills, ranging from practical to downright unusual.
1. Can He Understand English?
Skidboot, a standout on a horse ranch, was more than just a helper. He guided horses, fetched the phone, and even answered calls. His exceptional ability to follow commands earned him first place and a $25,000 prize on Pet Star. After a decade of fame, Skidboot sadly passed away.
2. An Olympic Contender in the Making
While Jumpy might not understand English like Skidboot, his agility is unmatched. He excels at parkour, surfing, walking on his hands, skateboarding over challenging surfaces, and, most impressively, his incredible jumping ability.
3. Master of Free Running
Tret may have just one extraordinary skill, but when it’s free running, that’s enough to leave anyone in awe. His ability to jump, climb, and run is unparalleled, and he clearly enjoys perfecting his craft.
4. The Ultimate Obedient Companion
For those who appreciate a blend of obedience and agility, Elee stands out as a top contender. She flawlessly follows her owner's commands, whether it involves climbing backward up a tree, rolling herself in a blanket, crossing her paws precisely, or even playing the drums.
5. Practical Canine Skills
Jesse is an exceptionally clever dog, excelling in tricks that are genuinely useful. In his three-part series titled 'Useful Dog Tricks,' he demonstrates skills like opening blinds, waking his owners, preparing breakfast and tea, making the bed, fetching the newspaper and mail, disposing of trash, shopping, tidying up toys, folding and storing towels, dusting, cleaning spills, vacuuming, answering the phone, and helping his owners unwind after work. He’s like a 1950s housewife, but in the form of an adorable Jack Russell Terrier.
6. Preparing for a Swim with a Towel
Chase is a forward-thinking pup who knows that a swim in the pool requires a towel for drying off afterward. He even goes the extra mile by fetching an additional towel for his French bulldog friend, who hasn’t quite grasped the concept yet.
7. Shutting the Door
Whether or not this dog was born in the barn, he clearly understands that leaving the door open is poor etiquette.
8. Fetching Beers
In the 1980s, Spuds MacKenzie was the iconic party dog. While Spuds was busy drinking Budweiser, this thoughtful retriever ensures everyone has a cold beer in hand, proving he’s the ultimate party assistant.
9. Jumping Double Dutch
As someone who struggled with Double Dutch jump rope, I’m amazed by Geronimo’s talent—especially since he has to manage four legs while jumping.
10. The Jenga Assistant
While this dog doesn’t actually play Jenga (that would be absurd), she serves as a perfect platform for the game. Thankfully, her owners don’t make her wait until the game is over before she can enjoy the tasty treats used as Jenga blocks.
11. Mastering Crossed Eyes
Olive’s trick might not be as practical as others on this list, but try getting a dog to cross its eyes even once, much less on command—it’s no small feat.
BONUS: Equine Entertainment
Don’t assume only dogs can learn impressive tricks—Patches the horse proves otherwise. He can ride in a car, fetch beers, and even answer the phone. However, if you decide to train a horse like Patches, it’s probably best to avoid feeding it cheeseburgers.
While my dogs have only mastered basic commands, I once heard of a dentist who trained his dog to pull back its lips for a 'smile.' What about you—what’s the most unusual pet trick you’ve ever witnessed?
