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.