Prodigy dog! How do they learn this stuff?

[Richardo]

Yesterday we accidentally found out that one of our JRTs can catch pieces of dogfood on the fly.

We thought at first it was a fluke, but she caught 12 treats in a row before an errant throw broke the streak (my bad). :eyes:
We have never taught the dogs to even try this, in fact I have never to my knowledge owned a dog that can do that. Innate ability? Or survival mechaism? (If you catch the food before it hits the ground the other dogs can't get it)

Whichever, I'm signing myself...

Richardo <-- one proud pappy :bounce:

[mr_hat]

1. I have dog who eat flying flies.

[GOPisEvil]

2. It's all you!

You're the leader of the pack, and he wants to impress you.

[Richardo]

3. Well, Mrs Richardo would dispute that...

I'm more the comedy relief of the pack...I think even one or two of the dogs outrank me. :D

[radwriter0555]

4. My dog has me trained to throw her ball for her on command.

She taught me.

She teaches everyone who comes to visit.

She's an australian shepard mix.

[radwriter0555]

5. That's the same dog who helped me dislocate my kneecap a while

back.

[Richardo]

6. What a helpful wonder dog!

:D

[radwriter0555]

7. oh YES. her uncanny ability to place a tennis ball in the PRECISE

location where your heel will land on it, in a step back from the kitchen counter is ASTOUNDING.

DEFINITELY a prodigy dog too.

She used to catch her balls on the, but I fattened her up and got her to knock THAT off.

[DS1]

8. It needed someone to rescue

You were it.

[geniph]

9. Some things just ARE

they aren't taught. One of my cats fetches. He wasn't taught to fetch, he just does. I know a breeder whose cats have what she calls the "begging gene" - all the cats in one particular line will sit up and put their paws together as if praying. (It invariably charms the audience at cat shows.)