Dog Shows Off Trick Involving 24 Cookies, but It’s Not What You Think

Australian cattle dogs are highly regarded as one of the most intelligent breeds and one recently proved to viewers why that reputation rings true.

In a video posted by @heelerpoint, Han Solo the Australian cattle dog shows incredible self-restraint while being surrounded by not one or two cookies, but 24 in total. And these cookies weren’t just around him, they were actually on him.

Han Solo’s owner taught him to balance cookies on his paws and snoot. His impressive skill has quickly gathered people’s attention, gaining him the reputation as the “treat stacking heeler.”

The caption reads: “The treat stacking heeler! This isn’t a record breaker for us, but these larger cookies are harder to balance with. More weight to shift and things can go flying.”

The owner slowly pulled away from Han Solo as the last cookie was placed on him. Both front paws are balancing cookies. Then two more stacks of treats are on top of his snoot. The biggest stack of them all is on top of his head.

He looks like a statue, not moving an inch and keeping perfect eye contact with his owner. It is uncertain how long it took to balance those cookies, or how many hours of training went into teaching this trick. All that’s confirmed is this is one very good boy.

The January 29 Instagram reel quickly wowed audiences, bringing in over 1.5 million views, 54,200 likes, and 248 comments. Some applauded the dog’s ability to resist the cookies as they wouldn’t be able to do it themselves.

“That’s what I call self-control,” commented a viewer.

Another added: “This patience is incredible.”

People are even wanting to see this trick at the professional level: “Talk about Olympic-level talent.”

Han’s ability to balance these cookies shouldn’t come as a surprise. For starters, Australian cattle dogs, also known as blue, red, or Queensland heelers, are one of the smartest dog breeds. The American Kennel Club refers to these dogs as “resilient herders” and “intelligent enough to routinely outsmart their owners.”

Newsweek previously reported that Australian cattle dogs are No. 10 on the list of smartest dog breeds.

And for this specific dog, Han Solo, his intelligence goes far beyond balancing. His owner had a mission to teach him 100 different tricks. After seven years of training and consistency, they reached their goal in December of 2023. From learning to skateboard and doing handstands to balancing treats and stacking cups, he can do it all.

Newsweek reached out to @heelerpoint via Instagram for additional comment.

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