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Pets and their Unusual Skills

Pets and their Unusual Skills
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Teach and test your pet (or a stuffed animal) three simple unusual tricks, record each attempt, and explain how each skill works.

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Step-by-step guide to teach and test your pet three unusual tricks

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What you need
A small toy or prop, adult supervision required, paper, pen or pencil, pet or stuffed animal, small treats or rewards

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!

Complete & Share
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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.

Watch videos on how to teach and test your pet three unusual tricks

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

PET Parenting Made Easy: Genius Hacks and Gadgets

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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.

How do I run the 'Pets and their Unusual Skills' activity?

To run the Pets and their Unusual Skills activity, pick three simple, unusual tricks (for example: spin, touch a bell, carry a toy). For live pets use short training sessions (3–5 minutes) with treats or praise; for stuffed animals pretend and role-play. Record each attempt with a phone or notebook, then have the child explain how each skill works—cause, steps, and what cues helped. Repeat tests and note improvements.

What materials do I need for 'Pets and their Unusual Skills'?

Materials you'll need: a pet or a favorite stuffed animal, small training treats or pretend rewards, a few simple props (a bell, small toy, target stick), smartphone or camera for recording, notebook and pencil for notes, a timer, and a quiet, safe practice area. Optional items: clicker, washable mat, and a helper for supervision. Use pet-safe treats and avoid choking hazards.

What ages is the 'Pets and their Unusual Skills' activity suitable for?

This activity suits ages 3–12 with adjustments: ages 3–5 enjoy pretend play with stuffed animals and need adult guidance to record and explain. Ages 6–8 can train simple tricks with a real pet or stuffed animal, practicing short sessions and basic explanations. Ages 9–12 can run tests independently, write clear explanations of how each skill works, and compare results. Always supervise interactions with live pets, considering maturity and pet temperament.

What are the benefits of doing 'Pets and their Unusual Skills'?

Benefits of the activity include building empathy and responsibility, improving sequencing and observation skills, and teaching the scientific method—make a guess, test, record results, and explain. It boosts language and fine motor skills when handling props and recording, strengthens child–pet bonding, and provides enrichment for pets. For safety and fairness, teach positive, reward-based training, avoid overworking a pet, and use stuffed animals for very young children.
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Pets and their Unusual Skills. Activities for Kids.