Fastest crossing of a tightrope by a dog in world record books

A Border Collie/Kelpie crossbreed called Ozzy has been recognised in the Guinness World Records book for the fastest crossing of a tightrope by a dog.

The four-and-a-half year old dog successfully crossed a tightrope measuring 3.5 metres in 18.22 seconds at the For Animals in Trouble There’s Hope (FAITH) Animal Rescue Centre in Norfolk.

Born in Anglesey, North Wales, Ozzy now lives in Norwich with his owner, 51-year-old carpenter, Nick Johnson. Nick has no formal experience of dog training but says that he learnt techniques on the internet which have proven successful.

He believes the key to training is: “Relationship building and making an effort to understand how your dog ticks.”

Nick also said: “As Ozzy’s parents are working sheepdogs on a farm, it’s in his blood to want to work closely with me. Ozzy is most happy when he’s working on the tricks that we do and regards it as a game. We also only practice when Ozzy is in the mood, after he’s done all his important dog stuff, like sniffing around and meeting other dogs.”

Ozzy’s owner was incredibly pleased with his Guinness World Records achievement, commenting: “It makes me feel so happy and proud, that Ozzy and I have such a strong friendship and relationship we can work together on tricks and games that get the recognition of Guinness World Records.”

A number of other animals have been recognised in the latest edition of the book, including Happie, who holds the record for the farthest distance travelled on a skateboard by a goat (36 metres in 25 seconds), and Milly, a Chihuahua from Puerto Rico who is officially the world’s smallest dog, standing 9.65 centimetres (3.8 inches) tall.

Image courtesy of Guinness World Records