Pets and their Unusual Skills
Teach and test your pet (or a stuffed animal) three simple unusual tricks, record each attempt, and explain how each skill works.
Step-by-step guide to teach and test your pet three unusual tricks
Fun Animal Adventure: Learning About Cats, Dogs, and Birds! | EYFS
Step 1
Find a quiet spot and bring your pet or stuffed animal and the materials to that spot.
Step 2
Pick three unusual but simple tricks to teach and write their names on your paper.
Step 3
For each trick write 2 or 3 tiny teaching steps on the paper so you know how you will teach them.
Step 4
Practice Trick 1 in short bursts about five times while encouraging your pet or moving the stuffed animal through the action.
Step 5
Record three complete attempts of Trick 1 so you can watch how it went.
Step 6
Write a short explanation on your paper of how Trick 1 works and why your pet did what it did.
Step 7
Practice Trick 2 in short bursts about five times while encouraging your pet or moving the stuffed animal through the action.
Step 8
Record three complete attempts of Trick 2 so you can watch how it went.
Step 9
Write a short explanation on your paper of how Trick 2 works and why your pet did what it did.
Step 10
Practice Trick 3 in short bursts about five times while encouraging your pet or moving the stuffed animal through the action.
Step 11
Record three complete attempts of Trick 3 so you can watch how it went.
Step 12
Write a short explanation on your paper of how Trick 3 works and why your pet did what it did.
Step 13
Gather your three explanation pages and label the recordings so each trick has its matching notes.
Step 14
Share your finished creation and recordings on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use instead of a video recorder or camera to capture the three complete attempts?
Use a smartphone or tablet propped on a stack of books to steady-record each of the three complete attempts, or if no device is available, make labeled sketches of each attempt on your paper as substitute 'recordings'.
My pet won't do Trick 1 during practice—what should I try next?
Break Trick 1 into smaller steps on your paper, run the short five-burst practice with immediate treats or praise, and model or gently move the stuffed animal through the action to help the pet understand the motion.
How can I change the activity for different age groups?
For younger children, choose one simple trick with one or two tiny teaching steps and record one attempt, while older kids can plan three tricks, write fuller explanations, time attempts, and edit the three recordings before sharing on DIY.org.
How can we make the finished project more special before sharing on DIY.org?
Label and decorate your three explanation pages, add simple props or costumes for each trick, and film the tricks as a combined routine to create a polished recording to upload.
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Facts about pet training for kids
🦜 African grey parrots and other birds can mimic human speech and sometimes use words to label things (hello, Alex!).
🐶 Chaser, a border collie, learned the names of over 1,000 objects — dogs can be amazing word-learners!
🍪 Positive rewards like treats and praise help pets learn tricks faster and make training more fun for both of you.
🎥 Recording practice sessions helps you spot tiny cues and improvements you might miss in the moment.
🐱 Research shows cats can recognize their own names even if they don't always come when called.
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