Some pets do more than sit, stay, and look cute, they quietly outsmart the people living with them. From dogs that learn routines in a flash to cats that seem to plan three steps ahead, these stories show just how clever household animals can be.
[ADVERTISEMENT]
In this roundup, Reddit users shared the smartest things their pets have ever done, and the results range from funny to genuinely impressive. Some animals learned tricks, some solved problems, and some simply found creative ways to get what they wanted.
[ADVERTISEMENT]
Either way, these pets clearly kept their humans on their toes. Read on.
1. Cat purposefully broke a spray bottle that would be used against him when he misbehaved
My cat strategically broke the spray bottle we use when he’s being naughty.
He picked it up by the nozzle in his mouth, took it up to a high-ish shelf, and pushed it off to the hard wood floor below. Did this several times until the nozzle snapped off, ripping out a big chunk of the top of the bottle in the process and rendering it completely unusable.
As Dr. Dan Siegel, a child psychiatrist, notes, "Animals can exhibit remarkable problem-solving skills that often mirror those of young children." Smart little demon -_-
2. Stone-obsessed collie tricked her owners into thinking she didn't bring stones inside
My old collie cross always had an obsession with stones. They chipped her teeth so badly, but she just loved them. We tried really hard to make her stop playing with them, so we asked her to drop it before she came into the house from the garden. According to Dr. Alison Gopnik, a developmental psychologist, "Dogs are capable of complex learning and can understand commands and cues from their owners." We were so proud of how smart she was! However, we kept realizing that she had stones in the house again and we had no clue how she got them inside. Then we figured it out: she put the stone through the cat flap, came in through the door without a stone, and then would go pick it up from the cat flap door! Unfortunately, she passed away in June, but I'll always remember how smart and amazing she was 💖
I used to have a Rottweiler who was scary smart. I would keep him in a big back yard with a chain link fence. As I learned from my neighbors, he would wait until I left for work and hop the fence. He'd roam the neighborhood causing trouble and even would stop at all the houses he knew someone might give him treats. He'd bug each house until he got what he wanted and then would jump back in the yard before I returned home. I never knew he was gone during the day. Finally one of the neighbors told me he watched the dog jump the fence as soon as I left and he'd jump back in sometimes just seconds before I returned.
Now that is pretty smart, but not as smart as this.
I bought a cable that attached to a big screw that I had to screw into the ground to secure the cable. This would keep him from the fence but he still had full mobility in the yard. This dog, he'd pick up his water bucket, Drag it to the big screw in the yard and dump it onto the big screw. He'd wait a bit and the water would soften the ground so he could rip the screw out. He'd hop the fence dragging the cable and screw. When he got out, he got the cable and screw stuck on the fence from the outside and was still in the yard when I got home. I had to secure it to the stout doghouse and shorten the cable so he could enjoy outside during the day without having free run of the neighborhood. He was quite the problem solver.
4. Puppy figured out how to not get adopted away from their family
We had a litter and had one last pup to give away. She was super friendly, so we thought it would be easy, but every time we had someone over to look at her, she would be super defensive and snap at people. We would then take her out, and she would say hi to everyone. According to Dr. Lawrence Cohen, a child psychologist and author, "Dogs can sense the emotions of those around them, and they may react defensively if they feel threatened." This behavior might stem from her observing the other pups bond with someone and leave with them, leading her to decide she wanted to stay. So my wife talked me into keeping her.
5. Beagle learned how to distract their owners so they could get into the trash
My beagle knows really well what he is and isn't allowed to do, but he also knows that the scolding won't come until he gets caught. According to Dr. Alison Gopnik, a developmental psychologist, "Dogs are capable of understanding human cues and can learn to manipulate their environment to get what they want." This is evident in my beagle, who has taught himself to bring us his plate when he feels hungry, and even opens doors and cabinets. His most impressive stunt was when he devised a plan to steal food scraps from the trash bin. He would wait until meal time, bring us his plate, and while we were distracted, he would sneak into the cabinet to dive straight into the trash. It was a clever tactic that he executed twice before we figured it out and installed baby locks on everything.
My dog, a mix of lab and husky, was incredibly clever. He figured out how to beat the electric fence by walking in circles until the collar's battery died, allowing him to escape. He even learned how to unlock doors and turn handles to get out. As Dr. John Gray, relationship author, states, "Dogs are capable of understanding human emotions and can develop complex behaviors to navigate their environment" (Dr. John Gray). We eventually let him roam freely around town, where he would visit friends and family, covering about 15 miles a day. He had a joyful wag that would make his whole body wiggle, and even years after he passed at nearly 20 years old, I still meet people who fondly remember "Mr. Wiggles".
7. Golden retriever knew not to be caught on the bed
That reminds me of a golden retriever I used to own when I had a waterbed. She wasn't allowed on the waterbed. Every time I came home, the waterbed would be covered in golden retriever hair, and undulating wildly, while she lay in her bed on the floor. "Pets often have a unique way of expressing their emotions and desires, which can lead to amusing situations," says Dr. Michael Thompson, child psychologist and author at michaelthompson-phd.com.
"I taught my parrot to say thank you when he gets a treat, but the little rascal now passive-aggressively says it to me when he is mad. I had no idea birds could be so emotionally manipulative," shares a pet owner reflecting on their experience. According to Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist, "Animals can develop complex emotional responses and behaviors that reflect their interactions with humans," which highlights the depth of their emotional intelligence. For more insights on animal behavior, visit Dr. Alexandra Solomon's website.
9. Pup pretends to be physically hurt when they're feeling deprived
"Dogs are incredibly perceptive and often display behaviors that suggest they are trying to communicate their needs," says Dr. John Hattie, education researcher and author at visiblelearning.com. "However, it's important to remember that their understanding of cause and effect can sometimes be limited." This can lead to amusing situations, such as when a dog pretends to be hurt for attention, only to forget which foot is 'injured' moments later.
10. Dog peer pressured their owner into apologizing to their grandma
As a kid, I had a female Spaniel named Lulu. She was an exceptionally intelligent dog, understanding my words and commands. According to Dr. Michael Thompson, a child psychologist, "Pets can significantly impact a child's emotional development and social skills." Lulu was raised alongside me, and we shared a profound bond. One time, after upsetting my grandma, Lulu wouldn't let me touch her for three days until I apologized in front of her. It felt like the dog was teaching me a lesson in humility and respect. I miss her dearly.
11. Incredible dog sensed their terminally ill owner starting to pass
My mom had a horrible and untreatable type of cancer, but she didn’t want to go to hospice so we did in-home care instead. She had been bed-ridden and all but completely unconscious for several days, and we knew that she was going to go soon.
I was watching television and just being with her, when suddenly her dog (now mine) got up, started whining and looking directly at her. I immediately knew what was happening, called my aunt in from the other room, and we held my mom’s hand as she died just a minute or two later. As Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist, notes, "Animals have an incredible ability to sense emotional shifts in their owners, often providing comfort during the most difficult times." You can learn more about her insights on her website Dr. Ramani Durvasula.
12. Cat wasn't afraid to share their disdain for others music choices
My girlfriend's cat seems to have a unique taste in music, particularly enjoying black metal. According to Dr. John McDougall, a physician and nutrition expert, "Animals can have preferences just like humans, and their reactions to different stimuli can be quite telling." When I played Immortal or Behemoth, she would sit in front of the speakers, lie down, and take a nap, showcasing her appreciation for the genre.
I once tried playing the Get Up Kids, but she was not having it. Dr. Dan Gilbert, a happiness researcher, notes that "pets often express their preferences in ways that can be surprising." The cat slapped me and hissed, continuing to vocalize her displeasure until I switched back to black metal. She then jumped back into my lap as if nothing had happened.
13. Cat didn't let the lack of thumbs stop them from trying to plug in their beloved heating pad
My cat has a heating pad, and after watching me plug it in several times, she attempted to pick up the cord and run into the wall. According to Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist, "Pets often learn through observation and can mimic behaviors they see in their owners." This highlights the intelligence and adaptability of our furry friends.
14. Chicken figured out how to escape their run to get to the garden
My parents used to have chickens, and one chicken demonstrated remarkable problem-solving skills by figuring out how to dig under the fence to access the garden and eat all of the tomatoes. According to Dr. Alison Gopnik, a developmental psychologist, "Animals, like children, can show surprising levels of intelligence and adaptability when faced with challenges." For more insights on animal behavior, visit her professional website at Dr. Alison Gopnik.
Not mine, but my Dad’s dog is quite the smarty. His neighbor runs a daycare inside her house, and one of the little ones learned a very valuable lesson that day. My Dad let his dog out back to take care of his business. He started hearing him bark loudly and went to see what was up. His neighbor let the children out back to play, and one of them was jabbing a stick at the dog through the chain-linked fence. The kid stopped after my dad intervened. Later on that day, my Dad took the dog on his daily walk. Walking out front, a kid from his neighbor’s house was walking to his parents' car. Guess which one... Dog recognizes him, runs up to him and knocks the kid on his as*. My Dad’s replies, “He remembers you.” As Dr. Alison Gopnik, a developmental psychologist, states, “Dogs have a remarkable ability to form memories and recognize individuals, showcasing their intelligence and emotional depth.” You can learn more about her insights at Dr. Alison Gopnik's website.
16. Kitten knew their future owner was going to take them in
Two years ago, a persistent kitten showed up at my doorstep, refusing to leave until I welcomed him into my home. He meowed in the rain and slept on my doorstep for a week, demonstrating a remarkable determination that is often seen in animals. According to Dr. Alison Gopnik, a developmental psychologist, "Animals can exhibit behaviors that show their intelligence and emotional depth, much like young children." You can learn more about her insights on child development at Dr. Alison Gopnik's website.
17. Pup can clean up after himself better than most people
When he was a puppy, he taught himself to clean up. We still kept him in a nice and comfortable cage back then so he had a place to go to when he was tired or overwhelmed. Every night he would drag all his toys with him into his cage, and every morning he would bring them back out again. As Dr. Alison Gopnik, a developmental psychologist, notes, "Children and animals alike can exhibit remarkable problem-solving skills and adaptability, often surprising us with their intelligence." You can learn more about her insights at alisongopnik.com.
He actually turns the thumb turn lock and lets himself out.
Sometimes convenient but not when it’s cold and wet.
Dr. Michael Thompson, child psychologist, states, "Dogs are incredibly intelligent and can learn complex tasks, often surprising their owners with their skills." This highlights the remarkable cognitive abilities of pets, which can sometimes rival those of young children.
I once witnessed my dog exhibit a rather amusing behavior. He strutted into our living room, positioned himself in front of our older dog, and kicked his legs back as if he had just finished a bathroom break. The expression on his face was undeniably smug, as if he reveled in his own comedic timing. As Dr. John Hattie, an education researcher, notes, "Animals often display behaviors that reflect their understanding of social dynamics, much like humans." You can explore more about his insights on learning and behavior at John Hattie's website.
20. Dog has set their own bedtime and demands tuck in
Every night between 7:30-8, one of my dogs stands at the bottom of the stairs and barks until you go upstairs with him and put him on the bed so he can go to sleep. As Dr. Michael Thompson, a child psychologist, notes, "Pets often develop routines that mirror the attachment children have with their caregivers, showcasing their intelligence and emotional needs" on his website michaelthompson-phd.com.
21. Dog would walk his human kids to and from the bus stop
My mom loves to tell us about her childhood dog who without fail would walk them to the bus stop every morning and then would meet them back at the bus stop when school was done. As Dr. Michael Thompson, a child psychologist, notes, "Pets can play a crucial role in a child's emotional development, providing companionship and a sense of responsibility." You can learn more about his insights on parenting at michaelthompson-phd.com.
MELISSA NIXON
22. Miniature poodle learned the names of all his toys
We had a dog capable of memorizing the names of about fifteen of his toys. We just had to say the name of a toy, and he was able to pick it up without hesitation. He was an 8 lbs all black miniature poodle, and he lived for 16 years. According to Dr. Lawrence Cohen, a child psychologist and author of "Playful Parenting," "Dogs are incredibly intelligent and can learn a vast array of commands and names, often surpassing our expectations." You can learn more about his insights at playfulparenting.com.
23. Kitty helped alert owner to avoid a kitchen fire
I left a pot boiling and forgot about it. My kitty Ollie ran up to me, put his paws up, and meowed in a strange way. I was trying to figure out what he wanted, and by then, the handle had already started melting. He essentially saved me from a kitchen fire. As Dr. Dan Siegel, a renowned psychiatrist, states, "Pets can often sense danger and alert their owners, showcasing their intelligence and bond with humans." He's a good boy.
24. Dog tricked their owner in order to get a spot on the couch
I was really hungover one Sunday and was taking up the whole couch and wouldn’t let my dog up.
She went into the kitchen and started barking. Full on “something is wrong and we’re going to die” barking.
I freak out and run into the kitchen to see her pawing at the door. I open it and head out to see... nothing.
When I get back to the couch she has curled up in her spot.
She played me.
Dr. Alexandra Solomon, relationship therapist, notes, "Pets often have an uncanny ability to read our emotions and manipulate situations to their advantage." This highlights the cleverness of our furry friends in understanding human behavior.
25. Dog clearly communicated their desire to exchange toys with their owner
I had a dog (toy poodle) pretty clearly try to trade toys with me when I was little. I was playing with an action figure and he brought me one of his toys, put it in my lap, and nudged it forward with his nose all while staring at my toy. As Dr. Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist, notes, "Animals, particularly dogs, exhibit behaviors that suggest they have a level of understanding and intention that can be quite surprising." For more insights on animal behavior, visit Dr. Jonathan Haidt's website.
26. Pup learned how to distract visitors in order to hide their toys
When my brother’s dog visits, my dog cleverly pretends to need to go outside, which gets my brother's dog excited. Once outside, my dog hides his toys and bones, showcasing a level of cunning behavior. As Dr. John Gray, relationship author, explains, "Animals can exhibit complex behaviors that suggest a level of intelligence comparable to young children." This playful strategy highlights the cleverness often seen in pets. Dr. John Gray
27. Cat figured out how to use a baby in its favor
As noted by Dr. Jane Nelsen, a parenting expert, "Children often learn to communicate their needs in creative ways, and pets can be surprisingly perceptive to these cues." This was evident in the case of a cat that learned to manipulate its environment to get fed. The cat would jump into the crib of a sleeping baby, knowing that the sound of the baby crying would prompt the mother to check on them. Once the mother was awake, the cat would then meow by its bowl to signal hunger. Dr. Nelsen emphasizes that "animals can form complex relationships with children, often adapting their behavior to meet their needs." This clever strategy continued until the mother discovered the cat's nightly routine, showcasing the intelligence and adaptability of pets in understanding human behavior.
28. Dog learned to get a water bottle when they were thirsty
When my dog was out of water, he'd grab a bottle of water from the kitchen, bite a small hole, and then press down with his paw to drink the water that was coming out. According to Dr. Alison Gopnik, a developmental psychologist, "Dogs are capable of complex problem-solving and can learn to manipulate their environment to meet their needs." We were accusing my husband of leaving half-empty bottles of water all over the house, and he was always blaming me. We finally caught the dog doing it, praised him for being so smart, and bought a bigger dog bowl. *Note—we no longer buy bottled water and we are very good about not letting the dogs run out of water.
29. Dog busted through a window screen to help their owner get inside
My dog constantly makes me believe she understands English. I can say something I’ve never said or trained her to respond to, and she’ll do it. I’ll point and tell her to get her blue ball, and she’ll do exactly that. Now, whether or not she wants to keep playing with the blue ball instead of the rope is completely up to her. As Dr. John Gottman, a renowned relationship researcher, states, "Dogs are incredibly attuned to human emotions and cues, often responding in ways that seem almost intuitive." The most intelligent thing she’s done was the time I was locked out of my house and yelled, “JUNO LET ME IN,” and she busts through the screen on the window. Coolest thing ever.
30. Kitty checks on her owner when they're on the ground
I have issues with my joints and my sense of proprioception, and I fall sometimes. My cat, Mia, seems to understand that a fall is not okay, so she runs up and “checks on” me if I’m on the ground for any reason. She’ll run up and headbutt me while meowing. The smartest part about it is that she seems to understand my words a little bit, because she leaves me alone if I tell her, “I’m okay.” As Dr. John Gottman, a renowned relationship researcher, states, "Animals can sense human emotions and often respond to their owners' needs in ways that are both intuitive and comforting" on his website gottman.com.
31. Horse learned how to open her stall so she could go eat extra hay
I once had a horse named Sugar who lived to be 32 years old. She was incredibly intelligent and, in her late 20s, learned how to open her stall door. The latch required lifting and pulling to the side, but she figured out how to use her lips to lift it and slide it open to access the barn and hay. We had to install clasps to prevent her from escaping. As Dr. John Hattie, an education researcher, notes, "Animals can exhibit remarkable problem-solving skills, often surprising their owners with their intelligence." This experience was unique, as none of our other horses had ever done anything like that over the years. Dr. John Hattie
32. Older dog helped calm their younger, anxious pup
My fiance and I have two dogs. The older one is extremely clingy and is always laying on or near one of us (usually me). He is also pretty stupid. Last night, the younger dog was having a pretty tough time. Panting, fast heart rate, etc. He is pretty anxious all of the time, and last night he was especially so.
The older dog, in a rare showing of emotional intelligence and sympathy, went over to lay on the other dog. Within 10 minutes, he had accomplished what we couldn't - the younger dog was calming down.
33. Puppy shows that empathy isn't just a human concept
When my mother learned of her abusive uncle's passing, she was overwhelmed with emotions and broke down in tears. I was downstairs with headphones on, but my dog sensed her distress. He came downstairs, paced around me until I stood up, then led me upstairs. Upon entering the room, he lay down next to her and howled in solidarity. According to Dr. Daniel Goleman, an expert in emotional intelligence, "Dogs have a remarkable ability to empathize with human emotions, often responding in ways that show they understand our feelings." This co-evolution of dogs and humans highlights that empathy is not solely a human trait but a shared experience. Dr. Daniel Goleman
A long time ago, I gave my cat a stuffed toy resembling my local university's mascot. She rarely played with it, and it collected dust in my closet. One evening, while watching a college basketball game with my parents, she brought out the toy, dropped it in front of the TV, and started meowing nonstop. This behavior illustrates the cognitive abilities of pets, as noted by Dr. Dan Siegel, a child psychiatrist, who states, "Animals can form associations and demonstrate understanding of their environment in ways that are often surprising." Such instances highlight the intelligence of pets and their capacity for learning and association.
35. Husky was trained to ring a bell to go outside, and used it to help their untrained dog to go outside and come back in
My dogs are trained to ring the bell to go outside to go potty. I have two stories about them and their bell knowledge.
For the funnier one, we had gotten the red husky a birthday toy and she was playing with it. The younger one was clearly jealous. She went to ring the bell so we let them outside. The younger one basically zoomed outside and then immediately back in to steal the toy. This has become a regular move for her.
Sweet but depressing story. Before we got our youngest, I had an older black lab with the red husky. She had kind of started to go downhill and needed to go outside more often than the husky, but she had not been bell trained. My husky would walk over and ring the bell for us to take the lab outside to go potty. We liked to give her time out there, so we would leave her out for a bit and the husky would ring the bell to remind us to let her in. After we put the lab down, for weeks my husky would stand at the back door ringing the bell for us to let her back in. It absolutely broke my heart when she did this, and just writing it now is making me cry again. :(
36. Dog with a stomach bug used the bathtub as a potty when their owners weren't home
My older dog got a stomach bug one time, and he never goes to the bathroom in the house. Well, I guess this time was the exception. He had diarrhea in the house, but instead of going all over, he climbed in the bathtub and went in there for easy cleanup! I wasn't happy, but it was sure as heck better than the alternative! As Dr. Michael Thompson, a child psychologist, notes, "Pets often display remarkable problem-solving skills, which can sometimes surprise their owners." You can find more insights on his work at michaelthompson-phd.com.
My dad was criticizing my cat, calling it useless. To everyone's surprise, my cat dashed into the pasture next door, caught a rat, and dropped it right on my dad's boot. It was one of the funniest and most unbelievable moments I've witnessed, and my dad still shares this story whenever his friends try to belittle my feline companion. As Dr. John Gray, relationship author, notes, "Pets often display intelligence and emotional understanding that can surprise us, reinforcing the bond we share with them." You can learn more about his insights on relationships and pets at Dr. John Gray's website.
"Rats are incredibly intelligent creatures, often displaying problem-solving skills that rival those of many pets," says Dr. Susan David, an emotional agility expert at susandavid.com. "Their ability to learn and adapt is a testament to their cognitive capabilities." I had some pet rats, and one of them figured out how to open the cage. He'd look me straight in the eyes, grab the door with his teeth, and use his tiny paws to push against the frame of the cage and force the door open. Locks were needed after that.
I do miss having pet rats, though; such smart animals.
39. Terrier would hide his accidents under his food bowl
My parent's had a Border Terrier that was fairly clever, but one of the weirdest things he did was he knew that doing a poo in the kitchen was bad, (it happened sometimes when we were out) and always attempted to cover up the evidence with his food bowl. According to Dr. Alison Gopnik, a developmental psychologist, "Dogs have a remarkable ability to understand human emotions and social cues, which can lead them to act in ways that they believe will please their owners." We would come back sometimes and see his food bowl upside down and know exactly what was under there.
40. Kitten figured out a workaround to get where she wants to be
My kitten desperately wants to get under the sink, but she’s too little to open the door. So instead, she figured out that she can open a drawer next to the sink, crawl in, and turn left to get under the sink. As Dr. Alison Gopnik, a developmental psychologist, notes, "Young animals, including pets, are often more capable of problem-solving than we give them credit for." This highlights the intelligence and resourcefulness of our furry companions.
Playing with my friend's dog, a mix of a black lab and a German shepherd, was an enlightening experience. I began to "fake throw" the ball, which successfully tricked her twice. On the third "throw," she just stared at me, demonstrating her cleverness. As Dr. Alison Gopnik, a developmental psychologist, notes, "Dogs are incredibly perceptive and can understand human intentions better than we often realize" (Alison Gopnik). After some playful antics, including tossing the ball into a tractor tire, she returned, and I discovered that she had faked bringing the ball back. Our group erupted in laughter, amazed by her cunning. To top it off, she snorted at me, retrieved the real ball, and trotted past me, showcasing her playful intelligence.
42. Very good boy didn't need special training to sense oncoming seizures
My beagle/pit bull mix can sense my seizures and alerts me to them before they happen. He also gets my family if I'm having one and they don't realize it. One time I had a seizure in the bathroom and my parents didn't know until Chili started howling and throwing himself against the bathroom door.
We adopted him almost 3 years ago, and he has no prior training to alert for medical issues: he just knows. Most dogs have to be trained from puppyhood to be service dogs and seizure alert dogs, but not him. He's just a Very Good Boy. As Dr. Andrew Weil, an integrative medicine expert, states, "Animals have an innate ability to sense changes in their human companions, often before we are even aware of them." You can find more insights on his work at Dr. Andrew Weil.
I once had a dog that learned to eat his beef bones on a towel in the house. Whenever I heard the bone hit the wood floor, I would reprimand him, and he quickly learned to pick it up and place it back on the towel. As Dr. Alison Gopnik, a developmental psychologist, states, "Dogs are incredibly adaptive and can learn from their environment in ways that often surprise us" (Dr. Alison Gopnik). One evening, when I wasn’t planning to give him a bone, he went into the back room, retrieved his towel, and spread it out in front of me, staring expectantly. I couldn’t resist; he got his bone that night.
One of my dogs can recognize items. Like the treat jar, the heated blanket. He will stand at attention in front of the item he wants. The treat jar is often in plain site and it’s not a constant thing so it’s clearly a “I would like one of those now” thing. Same thing with the heated blanket. He will stand in front of where it is on the sofa and stare at it until i turn it on. Then he’s toasty and happy.
He also can tell time. Yes they pick up patterns but he knows time. In typically feed them 630 am/pm. No matter what I get up, or what time I arrive home, at 6:29, he goes to where I feed him and stares at me intently. If I take too long, he will go to where I’m at, look at me, and then run back to where he eats. He also likes to go to bed at 900 pm. He will go to his crate, get settled and go to sleep. If we are being too loud or it’s past 10, he “huffs” at us. It’s not a bark, kind of like an exaggerated sigh.
He does not like unsafe walking areas? Mud? He must go around. Snow? He walks verrrrry slowly. Rain? Walk slow. Ice? Hell no. When it’s snowy or icy he won’t go out until he has seen me shovel the deck or put down dog safe ice melt. I joke that he was an OSHA inspector in his past life.
45. Cat fished out a bit of debris from their fresh drinking water
I had just poured some fresh water for my cat, Quincy. There was a piece of debris floating around in the water. He took his wee paw and fished it out then continued drinking water, debris free. I got it on video and I cackle every time I watch it. The most cutest thing I’ve ever seen. He is a king; he doesn’t want tainted water. As Dr. Ian Kerner, a renowned sex therapist, states, "Pets often exhibit behaviors that reflect their intelligence and awareness of their surroundings." You can learn more about the fascinating behaviors of pets on his website Dr. Ian Kerner.
46. A cat that could open a fridge, and another that learned tricks faster than a dog
My cat learned how to open the fridge. A prior cat learned how to roll over on command from watching us try to teach the dog to do it. We would force the dog down a little after giving the command, and then give her a treat and praise her. The cat wanted in on this and saw her getting a treat for rolling over, so he started to do it too. He learned how to roll over faster than the dog did. According to Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist, “Animals are incredibly observant and can learn behaviors by watching others, which showcases their intelligence and adaptability.” You can find more insights from her on her website Dr. Alexandra Solomon.
Before letting my dog out into the garden, I usually put the kettle on to make a coffee on my way back. Interestingly, he has figured out how to turn the kettle on and does this whenever he wants to go out. As Dr. Rick Hanson, a neuropsychologist, states, "Dogs are incredibly intelligent and can learn to manipulate their environment in surprising ways" on his website rickhanson.net.
48. Older pittie figured out ways to get what she wants
We have 2 pit bulls... one is 14 and the other is 5. The older one will start playing with a random toy she doesn’t care about to trick the 5-year-old into wanting it... so she can get the one he had. According to Dr. John McDougall, a physician and health advocate, "Animals often exhibit clever behaviors that demonstrate their intelligence and social understanding, much like children do."
Also, they’re not allowed on the couch... but at night, she’ll ninja her way down the hall and stand there listening to see if we’re asleep so she can sneak up on it. Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, a child development expert, states, "Pets can exhibit behaviors that show they understand their environment and the dynamics of their human families."
49. Pup retrieved their dog-sibling in order to get treats
"I wouldn't give one of my dogs a treat since the other dog was elsewhere; I didn't want to play favorites," reflects Dr. Lawrence Cohen, a child psychologist and author of "Playful Parenting" on his website playfulparenting.com.
"So the sneaky little rascal leaves the room. A few seconds later, he walks back in, the other dog trailing behind," he adds, illustrating the cleverness of pets.
"I got outplayed," he concludes, emphasizing the intelligence and strategic thinking often seen in animals.
50. Cat learned how to open blinds by watching their owner
I currently have a pair of cats and I am convinced they understand me to an extent. I'll tell them to "Not forget to eat their food" and they will go to their bowl to eat it, as if I've just reminded them of its existence. One of them the other day was trying to open the curtains by pawing at them vertically to get on the window ledge and I motioned with my hand how to do it, instead of the way she was currently doing it. She immediately copied me and nearly opened them; she now knew the correct method but just lacked the strength to do it. According to Dr. John McDougall, a physician and author, "Animals are capable of understanding human cues and can learn through observation, much like children do." For more insights, visit his website at drmcdougall.com.
Intelligence is relative and varies greatly between individuals and animals. So maybe if your beloved fur-baby doesn’t quite hit the same level of smarts as the stories, don’t worry too much. What you should do is share your stories about your pet, whether they’re about how smart they are or how they might be sharing their wit with others, in the comments section below. We love hearing about your pets!
