Chaser: Unlocking the Genius of the Dog Who Knows a Thousand Words

The amazing story of a very smart Border collie who is redefining animal intelligence.
Chaser has a way with words. She knows over a thousand of them-more than any other animal of any species except humans. In addition to common nouns like house, ball, and tree, she has memorized the names of more than one thousand toys and can retrieve any of them on command. Based on that learning, she and her owner and trainer, retired psychologist John Pilley, have moved on to further impressive feats, demonstrating her ability to understand sentences with multiple elements of grammar and to learn new behaviors by imitation.
John's ingenuity and tenacity as a researcher are as impressive as Chaser's accomplishments. His groundbreaking approach has opened the door to a new understanding of animal intelligence, one that requires us to reconsider what actually goes on in a dog's mind. Chaser's achievements reveal her use of deductive reasoning and complex problem-solving skills to address novel challenges.
Yet astonishingly, Chaser isn't unique. John's training methods can be adopted by any dog lover. Through the poignant story of how he trained Chaser, raised her as a member of the Pilley family, and proved her abilities to the scientific community, he reveals the positive impact of incorporating learning into play and more effectively channeling a dog's natural drives.
John's work with Chaser offers a fresh perspective on what's possible in the relationship between a dog and a human. His story points us toward a new way of relating to our canine companions that takes into account our evolving understanding of the way animals and humans learn.
www.chaserthebordercollie.com/
Video by Passerby Films
www.passerbyfilms.com

[@canyoubelieveit92]

My grandmother used to say that if you bring a dog into your home, some day you're going to be very sad. This made me tear up. So true.

[@insolentstickleback3266]

It is absolutely worth it.

[@kellyclark722]

What a STUPID thing to say. DUH Dogs/animals are amazing.

[@ss-nc2dy]

But it's worth all the days of happiness. No person, animal or thing that we encounter in our lives is ours to keep. Everything we encountered is just borrowed and we shouldn't act like we were ever meant to keep it for ourselves in perpetuity.

[@cbarak72]

But all the other days you will be very happy

[@ElisPalace]

@@kellyclark722 stupid? It's true.. how is it stupid

[@douell0001]

"'You're going to have a new dog' -- and that made me happy."

[@NickKrige]

its amazing how much you can say with some simple words and genuine feeling.

[@oofbruh2607]

I cried that’s so sweet

[@TCt0k3n]

Ya that hit me good :)

[@danid7972]

I have a border collie similar to this one who is extremely smart and when it comes to teaching him, praise works much better than treats. Border collies are so trainable because they live for making their owners happy. When I'm not in a good mood, my border collie purposely does something stupid to make me laugh at him. He will pretend to fall off the couch for example. And when I laugh, he gets this happy look on his face. I'm so lucky to have such a sweetheart for a dog!

[@4seeableTV]

Awesome

[@carolestay8106]

That's adorable

[@kat39422]

So lovely ❤❤

[@MasterCakeMan12]

Who has always loved dogs and always will?

[@yamilsanjuan6690]

Me bro till I die still even after

[@blaineb23]

MasterCakeMan me

[@AshleyWilliams-cn7gl]

Forever and ever!

[@puranjoshi9285]

Me

[@sergjay7993]

ME

[@MoiDesbro]

"Play is infinitely greater than food" This is my favorite thing about Collies, they're addicted to amusement and they're amused by whatever their master wishes; be it keeping cattle in a tight bunch, or retrieving a tennis ball.

[@semperfool459]

Me too. You express perfectly what I loved most about my border collie.

[@beckywatt5048]

Desmondo Of all the dog breeds I have encountered ,these dogs need human interaction, I think if they don't have it ,or you with hold it ,it would literally kill them.

[@janetliddiard9770]

My husband and I adopted a young female shepherd mix named Sugar from the animal shelter back in 1977, and she lived until 1991, almost 14 years old. She was the most intelligent dog we've ever had. She knew basic commands like sit, down, shake, speak, dance, roll over, etc. and was very easy to teach. She adored her Grandpa Brown, and knew his red truck when it appeared in our drive; she'd go out to meet him, all smiles and tail wagging furiously. One day my husband borrowed Grandpa's truck, and Sugar ran to the drive to meet the truck; when my husband got out instead of Grandpa, she took one look at him, turned around and walked away, head & tail hanging low, SO disappointed. But her most favorite things (even more than Grandpa) were her toys. This dog LIVED for toys; never chewed up any of them and would retrieve them all day long if only you'd throw them all day for her! She had about 30-40 toys, all different, and she knew the name of each and every one. When we'd get her a new one, we'd say the name of it over and over, and that's the only one she'd play with for about a week. You could ask her to go find a particular toy by name, and she'd search the house high and low until she found that EXACT one, and bring it to you. She'd lay it in your lap and wait in a down until you threw it; if you didn't throw it right away, she'd get up & gently nudge it with her nose to remind you she was still waiting. Dogs ARE smarter than you think, if you only pay attention and nurture their abilities, they can learn so much!

[@ziggy5141]

Janet Liddiard wow, thats one amzing dog you had. I have a 4 month old collie and hes really inteligent. He will learn trick in 15 mins! However he destroys all of his toys because hes teething 😂

[@principessatorrisi3460]

Amen x

[@michaelslack5269]

We both can (and do) learn so much...God's gift to be sure!

[@andiman45]

more important was that she understood you when you talked to her, perhaps not exactly all words but understood your emotions...

[@memd777]

My Aunt had this super intelligent Sheperd dog, he was super intelligent, lived in small town village, she would give grocery list to dog and the shop owner knew the dog and he would bring back groceries, and if anything fell off he knew it and came back to pick it up. Its not just training, its love and love doesn't have a language.

[@Rickfernello]

John died last month... Seemed like such a great man. I had just learned about Chaser. I hope she can live well with the man's family.

[@pilleybianchi4745]

She is good and completely over-indulged with us, as it should be. :)

[@robertcarter4494]

@@pilleybianchi4745 two yrs ago feel sick! I have working Aussie kelpies and border collies, my whole life orbits around them, hope chaser is ok. I’m an old bloke like my dogs, hope we all go together. Rip old fellar

[@charlieben3672]

RIP to Chaser 2019. Thank you for expanding the human understanding of how fur babies behave and think.

[@BrickNGames]

"Confirms what dog-lovers have always known: dogs are way smarter than we think" great quote

[@whispergirl]

The border collie of my childhood.... He was the same. After changing basic words like walk to ramble, meander, saunter, etc., each of which he learned, we took to spelling words, and eventually he learned how to spell too. I lost count of how much he knew. And his spirit? He even found a way to send a wind through the entire house when he died to wake us all up. Every person in the family converged in the hall at the same time... knowing. His message to me: I taught you how to love. I can only hope I actually did learn how. RIP Peppe.

[@sookie4195]

😭

[@sookie4195]

We will all be in heaven together with our pets. What a glorious day that will be.

[@whispergirl]

@@sookie4195 Thank you for this wonderful reply. I hope you are right; I really want to see all my pets again.

[@SoTresTres]

We have a 'genius dog' who is working her way to those magic 1000 words - currently just passing 100 toy names). We find Chaser an inspiration. Heartbreaking to hear of her passing. She and her 'dad' Mr. Pilley, have an incredible legacy for those of us with word learning dogs. So beautiful a statue of her was erected in her town in her honor.

[@moonbladem]

RIP Professor Pilley and Chaser. You two were quite a pair. Thank you.

[@kev3d]

When my Dad's border collie, Dash, died from seizures, as part of my Dad died as well. In all his stories about being a combatant in Vietnam, stories about heartbreak, loss, his parkinson's diagnosis, leukemia, and even through the deaths of his parents, I only ever saw my Dad cry twice: both times were for Dash, the first time when he saw the dog seizing, and the second time months later when he expired. Dash's favorite thing, when he wasn't burying bones or barking at airplane contrails, was getting on his hind legs to give people kisses. I miss him still.

[@NoName-pu5ls]

thank you for sharing this, dogs speak directly to our hearts. I too, have known this pain. Peace and comfort, and a Merry Christmas to you and yours

[@fftere]

This made me remember a dog friend I had and recently died. Didn't plan of crying today

[@Daisymae117]

That is so beautiful thank you for sharing. I can definitely relate. My 16 year old Border Collie passed away just before Xmas and it has been one of the most painful experiences of my life. Miss him every single day and no doubt I will for the rest of my life.

[@whatwhat1345]

2:33 such a happy dog!

[@abhilashkhajuria]

+Tom Lee (lMIKUl) i like ur prof pic

[@mgarcia2445]

"Heaven is where you get to see all the dogs you've ever loved." Rest in peace, beautiful Chaser. You were so smart and sweet. I'm sure the Pilley family is heartbroken, but they were so blessed to have you by their side for 15 wonderful years. Fly high, till you are reunited again. Thank you for all the joy you brought to this world. You will be missed but never forgotten.

[@SoTresTres]

your comment brought me to tears. So true.

[@mankytoo]

Rest in peace J.W. Pilley and Chaser. You're are together again now!!. Smart man with a smart dog. Together to play again.

[@sergjay7993]

LIFE IS MISERABLE WITHOUT THE COMPANION OF A DOG

[@michellerivera6201]

serg jay I agree!

[@jimmeyer803]

RIP John and Chaser... now together forever! 💞

[@mdrrnon6863]

R. I. P this man was so sweet

[@kalentessmann401]

As soon as I'm in a position where I can give a dog the love and attention that it deserves, I'm gonna be looking into getting some sort of Border Collie. Dogs are just the best.

[@da-madmodler4692]

+Kalen Tessmann Thinks it's great your waiting until a dog fits in your life. We got our BC who is now a year & 2 months old Jack is as high energy as they come. Most days they get 2 trips to the dog park (they... we now have two Jack & Jill) and about a 30 to 40 minute run along side our golf cart and without this release Jack would drive us crazy. The breed has won me over from Shelties and that's not easy.

[@jeffhoffman5482]

I have a BC and Aussie hybrid and if I wasn't retired I would not have enough time for him. All of his traits are BC except his size, 91 lb. If I got another dog it would be a BC.

[@michellerivera6201]

Kalen Tessmann You sounds like a wonderful person!

[@gpdude22]

Picking up my Border Aussie tomorrow.

[@duboislili]

corgis are also amazing...very smart herding dogs..and comical...very comical

[@curiouslyt2123]

The dog happily laying next to him on the porch with her young hanging out happy and content. I’d think to think that’s how they will spend their days in the afterlife together. RIP to both chaser and the doctor

[@duckgaming8908]

Who agrees that this is really amazing

[@balderdashery1]

Some day all people will see that farm animals are just as deserving of love and respect.

[@user-hw4hf2zb3t]

balderdashery G The world needs more people like you.

[@danid7972]

Totally agree.

[@Kube_Dog]

Scientists have tried to teach cows, goats, pigs, etc. It's not the same. Yes, they are living creatures. But it's not the same. Probably because man and dog have been together for 100,000 years. Plus, there's bacon and cheeseburgers.

[@rogergrant586]

And pizza crust.

[@mydogsioux]

I don't know how people ignore the fact that animals have emotions. If you wouldn't eat a dog, why would you eat a pig? They're just as smart.

[@donaldwatson7698]

Dr. John Pilley died June 2018 at age 89. Chaser died 13 months later in July 2019 at age 15. The family said in a local report that her ashes were sprinkled with those of her master.

[@Konyigery]

Thank you Mr. Pilley and sweet Chaser for giving me a brand new way of understanding these beautiful creatures we call dogs. Truly we will never deserve them enough . May both your souls rest in peace in heaven or wherever you have found peace.

[@rainbowfox3071]

I am so glad you are doing this work. We treat animals as objects and they are not. They are emotional, thinking beings with their own lives.

[@virginiaconnor8350]

I've had 5 Border Collies and they all have surprised me with their intelligence. They're all gone now, but if I get another dog, it'll have to be a Border Collie.

[@ericcartman9935]

who treats animals like objects ? I treat my cat like he is equal member of the family and household, the family and I, we never make a decision without taking Boris’s feelings/wishes into consideration.

[@buddyglynn6173]

That's why I'm vegan for animals value their lives as we do and deserve to live free of suffering and human dominance.

[@bluesakura2092]

They are conscious

[@raymondgood2359]

Dr. Pilley , I have enjoyed reading your book. You have an amazing dog. My border collie, Mica, died a year ago at age 14 and I am almost ready to buy a new one. He had a concept of time. If I told him we are going to see Grandma tomorrow, the next morning, when I let him out, he would go and sit by the car in anticipation of his trip. He also knew when it was Tuesday and I would be going bowling. A half hour before I would leave, he would go and lie down on the bed. At all other times he was by my side.

[@funkyduck4743]

2:58 Chaser's pose... I just melted

[@JamesPeach]

RIP to both of them.

[@ElisPalace]

I've had my border collie since I was 21, she's 7 years old now and I've travelled around Australia with her and I take her everywhere with me she's always on the back of my Ute. Going to be a very sad day when she's gone

[@yeahno6100]

Collies and Aus Cattle Dogs are the best goddamn breeds around, such good dogs.

[@iorijones6351]

What a beautiful dog. We empathise so much as we lost our Taff in May after almost 14 years. Now we have a bright young collie ‘Maggie’ as part of our family. Border Collies are so beautiful and intelligent. Their loyalty and friendship are there for all to see. Iori Jones - North Wales UK

[@Wildvideonyc]

Through both his passion for learning and compassion for dogs Professor Pilley made a major contribution to our understanding and appreciation for "man's best friend". In doing so he not only made an important scientific contribution, he armed those who labor to defend the rights of these most special creatures with even more powerful proof they deserve our respect and protection. God bless Prof. Pilley and let us pray he resides in a heaven of both the people and animals he so loved.

[@pilleybianchi4745]

Thank you so much for this. :)

[@pierregrivory5998]

Poor girl. I'm so sad when I know she's passed away 😢

[@horse54a]

I am so sad that Mr. Pilley passed, sometimes we really dont know how blessed that we are when people like him come along, they give us things that we might have missed on our own, I think of all the amazing people who show us new things about the world we live in and the special beings that we share it with. The lion whisperer and the dog whisperer, some would say that the things they do have been around forever, yes but these special people brought it to our attention, to witness and feel it with them. I love my world and all I share it with, I know that there are idiots who would try to make me take it back, but they cant, because of all the real people and genuine humans,those who choose to live in our world as it was meant to be, caring for one another outnumber them and they know exactly what I am saying!

[@craig79792000]

When I lost my border collie to cancer 6 years ago, it took the wind right out of me. She understood EVERY word I spoke. I still have not been able to work up the nerve to get another. I don't want to go through that hurt again.

[@dianasimms1810]

Every dog is so unique and will bring love into your life. Get a dog! And when that dog begins aging or being unwell, get another dog. It doesn’t replace the love, they just bring more.

[@kristenminer1278]

What a beautiful friendship. John was a beautiful person. Rip.

[@adrianbazan3343]

Learning by means of exclusion was incredible to me. But not surprising, it’s a border collie. Great owner spending time and intelligence together made this dog amazing ❤❤

[@csnyder820]

They can never replace the one that came before them in our hearts, but they can make our hearts whole again.

[@theaaaa4180]

RIP John and Chaser :'(

[@nicholasaustin4796]

From what I've seen, taking care of a new life can do so much good for your health especially for the Elderly, giving you that extra stride in your step and adding a little more meaning to your life. We've all lost our furry best friends but they're at peace now, so let's make new friends shall we? RIP Kiki, Chewy, Nelly, and Beanie

[@cherylwallacewayaunega]

You were right when you stated what you had discovered about Chaser and dogs, in general, is they are more intelligent than people give them credit. They are intelligent, loving, caring, intuitive,and protect beings.

[@abhilashkhajuria]

+cheryl wallace do dogs love us ?

[@cherylwallacewayaunega]

Cute Boy They do and let us know it, but humans need to learn their language. My beautiful German Shepard, Max, saved my life by jumping in front of a speeding car and pushing me out of the way. If he had not loved me he would not have saved my life by putting his own in danger.

[@abhilashkhajuria]

:) waowww that is so lovely but what happened to him was he hit by car or he got away with it.I live in India.So i want a dog which is family dog lot of people visit my home everyday so i want a dog which dosen't bark or bite people coming to our home.And i want a dog which dosen't need much exercise and which is obident.Pls tell me is there any dog which i can take.?

[@cherylwallacewayaunega]

Cute Boy, The Dogo Argentino Dog Breed, also known as the Argentine Mastiff is a large, white, muscular dog that was developed in Argentina primarily for the purpose of big-game hunting, including wild boar. Life span: 10 - 12 years Higher classification: Dog Origin: Argentina Temperament: Tolerant, Protective, Loyal, Friendly, Cheerful, Affectionate Height: Female: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Male: 24-27 inches (62-68 cm) Weight: Female: 79-99 lbs (36-45 kg), Male: 79-99 lbs (36-45 kg) They do not bark if someone breaks into your home, but waits until he has the advantage then he attacks. Their mouths a very large when they open it to bite because they were genetically designed in this way, so they could get a firm bite on the wild boar. Please, make sure to have the dog trained properly and keep it in your home as a family member. They are a wonderful breed of dog.

[@abhilashkhajuria]

thankyu so much :)...but i wana know that can i also keep siberian husky or border collie ....or golden retriver or..tibetian mastif or...labrador...or german shephard ...or rottweiler...or alaskan mulmate...???

[@hughpm]

The most beautiful thing i saw in a while, filled my heart with joy just to see him play with Chaser

[@kimberlyfarber1490]

RIP beautiful smart Chaser!

[@smg4834]

Professor Pilley, his Wife and Chaser seem like a lovely family- Dogs really are 'Man's best friend'

[@tommas2674]

Could not have gotten a better man to do this. Great dog

[@dudeivealreadydonethis5tim289]

That precious joyous expression on her beautiful face

[@imcindy522]

smart dog great owner

[@user-bh3cb5zm4p]

زننن

[@user-bh3cb5zm4p]

زوزنن

[@user-bh3cb5zm4p]

توو

[@sandragreer7556]

I have six amazing little dogs.They are members of our family and we love each one dearly. And each one has trained us well.

[@sakurasoh]

As I grow older, I realised 2 things. One is I cried so often when it comes to dog and second is I admired dog more than any living being on earth

[@connykomen4237]

u have my respect sir!

[@j.criquette3334]

If I had been a dog, I would have wanted to be John Pilley's dog.

[@pilleyjw]

:)

[@sueegland1232]

Chaser is a delight,and so are you. It is wonderful when an animal and a human can learn to love and understand each other. there is one thing for sure, when a dog gives you its love, it is true love. They don't pretend anything.

[@React2This]

RIP John Pilley. Chaser will miss you.

[@rociocastillosavelesky5792]

I desperately miss my pal and companion Lola. No sweeter more forgiving kind and loyal soul could have been such a comfort to me. She is forever linked to me.

[@zdub8438]

My mom had a cocker spaniel that knew over 200 different toys by name and could catch a ball no matter how high or hard you threw it every single time. Intelligence is easy to find but that mixed with an insane drive to work and a dedicated amazing trainer is what it takes to get a dog like this. This is what you get with thousands and thousands of hours working a very smart dog.

[@marisolgebe2]

I'm such a loser, I'm getting a puppy tomorrow, watched this and cried hahaha..

[@yin7yang7wolf7]

nope just means your not bad person XD

[@IIIllllIIIIlllll]

3 years later: how’s your dog doing?

[@aleka6775]

omg yes how's your dog *4 years later*

[@AyAReI00]

4 years later, how is your dog ?

[@123123573]

MGB-92 5 years?

[@rocketdogticker]

"Had a border collie named patches" -SouthPark

[@SeadogCC]

RIP Mr. Pilley. May all your past dogs be at Heavens gates to greet you.

[@starwarsroo2448]

Jake died last March aged 17, he was so old and tired from a life filled with outdoors, love and happiness, nearly a year on I still think of him as my best friend, one day I'll have another dog.

[@auggo69]

who is jake?

[@mnunez10]

@@auggo69 His dog, best friend.

[@inextremis28]

Chaser is so fruggin cute.

[@thatgirl9921]

17 thumb downs ..really?! What sad hard hearts you must have

[@Pancake_Icecream]

I cried beautiful relationshop

[@milesedgeworth132]

In a way, I guess John would've wanted to go before Chaser did. RIP John. You were an amazing man.

[@pilleybianchi4745]

Thank you Miles. :)

[@tracys7057]

This is just beautiful!

[@Teijan123]

Couldn't watch without crying. So emotional and amacing!

[@rhythmsociety]

What an inspiring pair. I love this! I hope others follow your lead and spend more time truly nurturing their dogs. Chaser knows verbs! That is amazing.

[@alwayssmiling62]

😢😢😢😢 I miss my Border Jack so much!!!! Like Chaser, she knew the names of over 20 toys and she would roll over with my dad just moving his index finger in a circle. I lost Jacollie on 12.30.15 and I miss her terribly. She looks a lot like Chaser 😢😢😢

[@cyberbri6899]

WOW!! Super smart dog... super smart guy!! This is truly amazing!

[@CMGomez7]

God bless you, your wife and chaser xxxxxx

[@mantan_rtw]

Wonderful dog and her dad John.

[@louiselloyd1523]

a beautiful video. Loved seeing the man and the dog playing cooperatively. :-)

[@stephaniewright8049]

Awww. I love this man!

[@tiny11231]

Sweet man. God bless him.

[@halcyonsandiego]

In many countries in the middle-east, dogs are seen as vermin...dirtier than pigs. To those who hate, try REAL love, for a change. I could not think of a better example then man's best friend. :-)

[@euodiapercy1231]

halcyonsandiego little did they know they are the vermin themselves

[@duboislili]

the lower the men are, the worse the treat animals..simple equation

[@roustar8355]

R.I.P dear Chaser..

[@denisemezynski8014]

Love this dog Chaser and her Man John ❤.....will NEVER furget Both of them 💔💯😇. Why they Both weren't more well Known is beyond me?

[@shaylas410]

They are so cute together !

[@Chinagirlz2]

Wonderful people there. Glad in this time of such chaos and cruelty, that this man is with us.

[@krissygirl333]

Beautiful advice and wonderful dog. Good boy Chase

[@Taffeyboy]

And your film made me very happy.

[@iluvericidle]

What's that sound? My heart exploding from the preciousness 😍

[@tinastanley4444]

You sir are a true gentlemen.

[@RestorationWatch]

Thank you for reinforcing what us dog owners always knew, our dogs understand most of what we say to them, especially if they're a Border Collie. Mine is soo smart, picking up on all manner of subtle nuances that demonstrate an emotional intelligence of the highest order. Dogs are the best people.

[@pilleybianchi4745]

well said.

[@jackiekennedy5372]

I love this professor and his love interest for this dog. Chaser is a very famous and popular dog and it's so smart. Border Collies are very genius dogs

[@honeybeebadger]

Brilliant thanks for uploading

[@junebug2767]

I absolutely agree with you 100%..loved your video..thank you from a dog lover.🐶

[@jagcf]

Rip both Chaser and her Dad ❤️🐕‍🦺👤

[@templeofthedog7524]

I have so much respect for you❤️🙏🏻

[@PinkMagnolia]

thank you for sharing

[@CrustyMuffinsify]

i love what he says about play. that is so true my dog just loves chasing things his herding instincts are always showing these dogs are so dmart

[@tyrander1652]

I may be more impressed by the guy finding names for over a thousand different things for the dog.

[@alessandrapirelli7040]

Best video I have seen in a long time! 😍🥰

[@GatCat]

I love chaser so much. I love chaser.

[@LeighLofgrenPhotographer]

love this whole story

[@checkmateknightracing7134]

RIP John ♡

[@rosieplays93ocean75]

This story is so inspiring

[@ericcartman9935]

RIP both of you !!!

[@x46andtwo]

She blows my mind everytime.

[@tippersmami]

Border collies are so perfect

[@cappy2282]

Chaser got *alotta heart!*