For sure, as a dog owner many of you have uttered the words “My dog is smart.” My mom is guilty of saying it numerous times. Well, I’ve gone through many dog trainings. With my mom’s creativity, I’ve learned a lot and I can say I am a smart Golden Retriever dog. Not as smart as Chaser, a Border Collie dog that knows a thousand words (1022 to be exact) and understands simple commands/phrases.
I am very familiar with Border Collies as I’ve competed with the breed during my agility years. A Border Collie is known for their keen intelligence and enthusiastic of having a job. It is known to be a herding dog breed. As a pet, a Border Collie enjoys continual mental, emotional and physical stimulation, exactly what John W. Pilley provided to Chaser. John W. Pilley, a retired psychology professor from Wofford College in South Carolina, acquired Chaser as a young pup after his beloved Border Collie German Shepard mix dog Yasha passed away. Yasha was his teaching assistant from many years as a professor. Chaser not only succeeded Yasha but Pilley gave her a new title of co-investigator and research assistant partner.
To be honest, we saw Chaser’s segment on the Today show 2 years ago. We were very impressed and curious on exactly how John W. Pilley did it. It is PAWsome that Pilley documented his scientific experience and teaching process. In his new book Chaser: Unlocking the Genius of the Dog Who Knows a Thousand Words, he shared the major and most important reinforcement of his success with Chaser, “Learning Through PLAY.” We are big advocates for Fun Play and agree with Pilley’s method. Golden LOVE how Pilley stated it “To get the most out of a dog, you can’t be afraid to look or sound silly. You have to be willing to get down on all fours with the dog and play together like a couple of puppies.”
A sneak peek of John W. Pilley and Chaser. Also, find out how Pilley came up with the name Chaser. Take Note: Dog lovers have a tissue handy as the video narration will bring you tears.
I give John W. Pilley’s Chaser 4 Golden Paws Up. It is intriguing and a joyful book to read. I recommend it to dog lovers particularly that are fond of training their dogs. I invite you to check it out, Click Here for more information and to purchase the book.
After reading the book, my mom got inspired to test my intelligence. I recently got some new toys, from recent wins and brands we met at BlogPaws and BarkWorld. I’ve only known these toys for a short time and I’ve named them. My mom added a distraction, my all time favorite chew KONG toy which also dispenses a treat. Well, I invite you to watch the video below …
Dog Toy Name Recognition Game from Golden Woofs on Vimeo.
Would it have mattered if my mom did not include my Kong toy? Maybe … I was taught through FUN Plays and treats, unlike Chaser who learned predominantly through play.
“Dogs are smarter than we think.” John W. Pilley
Never doubt your dog is smart. Every dog posses intelligence and eagerness to learn. You have to believe, just like Pilley believed that Chaser’s learning capabilities could go beyond. Also, keep in mind through fun creative play, you are establishing a great relationship with your dog just like Pilley and Chaser.
If you are in Twitter, join us and #BlogPawsChat on Tuesday October 22nd from 8-10pm EST. You’ll have a chance to win a copy of the book and a toy. Be sure to Follow Chaser on Twitter and Like Chaser Border Collie on Facebook.
Disclaimer: Golden Woofs received an advance copy of John W. Pilley’s book, Chaser, from BlogPaws Pet Blogger Network. Golden Woofs is being compensated for this post review. Views expressed here are solely by Golden Woofs.
We already know what a smart dog you are, Sugar! (besides being so OBVIOUSLY gorgeous!)
Have a great Friday. XOXO
We know food, walk , get in the car and treats…. We work on a need to know basis, BOL!
XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy
Awesome post Sugar! I can’t wait to read this book – I’ll check it out as soon as I finish my current book!
We sure did love the book too Sugar!! We did our review on it yesterday. Chaser sure is a smart dog!! You are very smart too and we are trilled to see you in action! Happy Friday! xo Chloe and LadyBug
Paw-tastic post! Love hearing about smart dogs. Myself, I do enjoy play dumb when my peep wants me to do something that I don’t like….but don’t tell her!
Maggie
chase gets 4 Golden Paws Up up and so do you and so does this post.
Great review! Dogs are so much smarter than most people think!
We were just talking about Chaser the other day. Lee thought he was just showing off:) hehehehehehe! What a great dog! Lee and Phod
Yep we are smart smart. I’m going to get that book for my MOM.
Blessings,
Goose
Chaser is BRILLIANT. THIS is a wonderful post.
Peeps have NO idea how SMART we are… and THAT is a good Secret fur us to KEEP to OURSELVES… They would be so intimidated by our intelligence.
I’m sure dogs are smart. But Chaser is the carnivore Einstein I think :o) Have a golden Friday!
We always knew you were smart too Sugar! Chaser is very cool and we know right where Wofford College is in our neck of the woods. Thanks for the well wishes.
We think you kept getting the kong because you wanted your mom to put a treat in it.
Chaser looks pretty smart, but you are too Sugar. In fact…I’m pretty sure most dogs are smarter than people think.
I really did need tissues. I will look for the book.
Monty and Harlow
we have seen this brilliant guy before – he is pawsome!
Well our doggie is a Border Collie and she is very smart. She has been a little unhappy since her friend had to go to the bridge 7 or 8 months ago so we might get her some new toys. I really want to read this book. So glad you did a review on it. It sounds really good.
Goldens are smart, coonhounds are smart. It we had all this attention and teaching who knows what we could do!
Hi Sugar, What a wonderful post! Chaser is incredible-I will look for the book. I think what some of us need to do is figure out what our beloved pups are trying to tell us. I know I don’t always understand Hunter and what he wants. I’ve had a border mix before and can testify to the fact that the breed is brilliant. I know you are too.
Have a great weekend Sugar. Hugs to your mom!
Wags, Noreen & Hunter
great review Sugar and great video! We passed this one up because we have a stack of books to review that is a mile high!!!
Dakota knows the names of his toys too, well, Shelties are related to the Border Collie so that’s no surprise!
Great review, Sugar! We’ll give it a shout-out on Twitter and FB. Wed love it if you’d give our review some shout-outs, too! Thanks Sugar!
We are currently on our bay cruise and we have a border collie with us. He’s a smart one too. I loved the video. Yes I did.
Have a woof woof day Sugar. My best to your mom. 🙂
Love these videos! Sugar is very smart!
Chaser is a well clever pup but so are you Sugar. Have a fabulous Friday.
Best wishes Molly
Borders are BRILLIANT dogs. And I completely agree with getting down on the floor to play with your dog. And have two dogs. 😉
Sugar this is amazing. We loved the video
Hugs madi your bfff
Hi Y’all!
Sugar, that’s great stuff you posted.
I know lots of my toys by name, but sometimes I let a great scent to distract me if we’re outside., especially since the Human has started using “scent training”.
Y’all come by now,
Hawk aka BrownDog
I think that just like humans some dogs are smarter than others and some goods are brilliant at one thing and not so good at another. I love that you kept bringing the Kong. Shows you have a sense of humor and what is important!
Thank you for the pawesome review Sugar!!
Great review – what a sweet and wise man. What sweet and wise doggies, too!
Great review! And that video is TOO adorable. And I just have to say what lovely shape your toys are all in! They all look practically like new! Rita’s toys are mostly very sad looking!
Great review!! I loved the video of Sugar….she made me laugh when she kept brining the Kong! She had other things on her mind! That’s OK, Sugar, those of us who have already read the book know that Chaser had hours and hours of training to get where she is! 🙂
We are gonna have to check out that book!
Your Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
PS – Loved the video all most as much as you love your Kong!
Your Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
We think ALL dogs are brilliant and smarter than the average human! 🙂
Zeus & Lola
Hey Sugar, I LOVE your video. You made me laugh and want to play with you. 🙂 xo
Ooooo, gots to puts this on my Wish List!!!
Kisses,
Ruby ♥
This was an awesome book. Chaser’s story is an amazing one, definitely worth the read. I’m so happy I got the opportunity to read it and would encourage anyone else to do the same. Great review, Sugar.
LOL who says you are just as smart as Chaser! You brought the toy YOU wanted. You know the one with the treats. Great job!
Sounds like a great book, I’ll check it out!
Good girl, Sugar! You know you got the Kong instead of the Marge head and the C-3PO. But you wanted the Kong. You were trying to tell Mom what you wanted instead of what she wanted. My dogs do that too. See, dogs ARE smarter than we give them credit for. 🙂
Dear Sugar
Mom and I thank you so much for the kind comments you left on our blog regarding dear Sweet Pip’s trip to the rainbow bridge…
He loved well and was well loved.
Hugs Madi and Mom
Great review, yes all dogs are smart some are smarty pants like Gambler. Too smart for his own good.
Wow a brilliant video. He’s true us dogs are smarter than given credit for!
Very cool!