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RIP World Famous Border Collie, Chaser, the Dog Who Knows 1,000 Words

This is very sad news about the world's smartest dog. Chaser, the Border collie redefined animal intelligence and inspired all of us to train our dogs with both food and play.

Chaser, known as "the dog who knows 1,000 words," died this week from natural causes at her home in Spartanburg surrounded by family.

Play was the major reinforcer for Chaser's learning and his owner and trainer found this worked much better than food. In the video, you learn about how he trained her to learn over 1,000 words. He talks about what dog lovers have always known, that dogs are smarter than we think! Dr. Pilley trained Chaser for four to five hours every day for 3-4 years.

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The New York Times reported about his training methods.

"He showed her an object, said its name up to 40 times, then hid it and asked her to find it. He used 800 cloth animal toys, 116 balls, 26 Frisbees and an assortment of plastic items to ultimately teach Chaser 1,022 nouns."

It's the way Chaser was taught that is unique.

Chaser died of natural causes and was buried with the other family dogs.

Dr. John Pilley died last year and some of Chaser's ashes were buried with him. Everyone knows that Border collies are a smart dog breed but all of our dogs are capable of this if we try!

Chaser was put to rest at his home surrounded by family.

This is very sad news, please let us know what you think below? 

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