Meet the dog who can play noughts & crosses and eat like a human

Jennifer Sainer and Max Sura are never short of someone to play games with – as they’ve taught their dog Hank to play noughts & crosses. The two-year-old Weimaraner, who lives in Brisbane, Australia, can do a huge range of impressive tricks, including eating like a human. Jennifer and Max regularly share videos of Hank’s impressive skills on his Instagram @the_incrediblehank, to the delight of his followers. ‘We taught Hank how to play noughts and crosses by using food,’ Jen, who works for an online fashion business, said.

‘He’s very patient with his food and only eats when we give him permission to.

‘We put a treat for him on the board and then he’ll pick the square and eat the treat when we say he’s allowed to.

‘He enjoys anything with eating in it and is highly motivated by food.’

They’ve managed to train Hank to sit at the table and can make it look like he’s eating like a human – although it’s not exactly what you think.

Hank eating chicken
Hank and Max performing the eating illusion (Picture: Jam Press)

To create the illusion, Max stands behind the dog, hidden out of sight, while using his hands to grab the bucket – making it look as if Hank himself is doing it.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOUR PET: According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), pet owners in the United States spent $60.28 billion on their furry friends in 2015. That number is expected to rise by more than $2 billion in 2016.

‘We were inspired by the well-known Sesame Street sketch with the Weimaraner dogs,’ his owners said.

‘So we drove to KFC and ordered a giant feast for ourselves.

‘Max conveniently already had a full KFC outfit ready to go so it was just a matter of getting Hank and Max to fit into the jumper and then the fun began.’

The pooch also has plenty of other – more traditional – dog tricks up his sleeve; he can ‘speak’, shake, spin, bow, roll over, walk backwards and even retrieve his own leash.

Hank the super-smart Weimaraner with owner Jennifer Sainer
Jennifer and Max (Picture: Jam Press)

He has also learnt how to turn the lights on and off in the couple’s home and clean up his toys.

Jennifer and Max said: ‘Hank is playful, curious, funny, adventurous, extremely loyal and loves people.

‘He is basically our shadow, and goes with us everywhere, he even has to be by our side on the toilet.’

While he has got the hang of lots of tricks, he still likes to misbehave from time to time. The couple say he particularly loves to steal and hide socks.

Jennifer and Max added: ‘He also loves playing fetch 24/7.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOUR PET: The United States has the highest pet dog population in the world. Approximately 75.8 million in fact.

‘We have to hide any tennis balls in the house, otherwise he will constantly bring them up to us, put one in your lap and expect you to throw for the next few hours.

‘He also likes going for walks, absolutely loves the beach, and being challenged with new things.’

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