Toco the Human Collie Struggles to Navigate Agility Course in $14,000 Dog Costume
A recent video featuring the Japanese man known as Toco the human collie attempting an agility course has garnered attention online. However, dog trainers who viewed the footage have concluded that Toco has a long way to go before he can compete with the top dogs at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
Challenging Maneuvers in a Realistic Costume
Toco’s attempt to navigate the agility course in his $14,000 dog costume fell short of expectations. The video shows him struggling to clear a jump, landing on the bar instead. According to dog trainer Brianne Farr, this would result in immediate disqualification in a competition. Toco’s slow momentum leading up to the jump was the main factor contributing to his failure.
Improvement Needed in Jumping Skills
Despite his shortcomings, Toco managed to enter the weave poles correctly, although he struggled to navigate them quickly. He also attempted to conquer the steep A-frame but was unable to maintain stability and rolled off the side. Even the broad jump proved to be too difficult for Toco, as he tripped his way through it. Farr emphasized that Toco needs to work on his jumping skills and overall agility.
Expert Opinions
Andrea Samuels, a six-time national agility champion at the American Kennel Club, described Toco’s effort as that of a short-legged, overweight collie. However, Toco has faced criticism before from top collie breeders and dog-show judges who were unimpressed with his physique in the hyper-realistic costume.
Hope for Improvement
Despite the challenges, Farr believes that Toco can improve with proper training. She suggests body awareness and conditioning exercises to enhance his agility. Additionally, lowering the A-frame’s steepness could make it more manageable for Toco. Farr shared her experience of training dogs lacking natural coordination and jumping skills, emphasizing that with training, Toco can develop these abilities.
Toco’s journey as a human collie has been met with both skepticism and amusement. However, with dedication and training, he may yet prove his doubters wrong.
