In a heartwarming feat of skill and agility, a small dog in Japan has not only mastered skateboarding but also successfully navigated through a tunnel formed by 40 people. This remarkable canine achievement has garnered it a place in the prestigious Guinness World Records.
According to reports from the Guinness World Records website on February 7th, Coda, a cocker spaniel owned by Japanese dog trainer Satomi Asano, displayed a love for skateboarding that led to this extraordinary accomplishment.
In February 2024, Coda showcased its skateboarding prowess on the Italian reality show “Lo Show Dei Record,” where it glided through a tunnel created by 40 people standing with their legs apart, breaking the record for “most people in a tunnel skateboarded through by a dog” in the Guinness World Records.
Although the challenge to set this world record was not without its obstacles for Coda, as it initially struggled to pass through the tunnel on the first attempt and swayed precariously on the second, the determined pup ultimately succeeded.
The previous record was held by another small dog in Japan in September 2017, who managed to skateboard through a tunnel formed by 33 people.
The trailblazer of this record-setting achievement was a dog named Otto. In 2015, Otto skateboarded through a tunnel of 30 people in Lima, the capital of Peru, becoming the first “dog” to establish such a record.
Post-establishing the new record, Otto leveraged its fame to raise awareness about responsible pet ownership and actively promoted adopting homeless animals.
Coda’s owner, Satomi Asano, a professional dog trainer, shares a similar dedication to animal welfare. Operating a dog school in Japan that prioritizes the well-being of animals, she uses scientific methods and positive reinforcement techniques to train dogs.
Asano previously told the British newspaper “Daily Mail” that in Japan, it is common for trainers to use punishment on dogs. By ethically training dogs like Coda, she aims to change this practice. Encouraging Coda to skateboard and engaging in playful activities together helps keep the dog active and fosters a stronger bond between them.
Through Asano’s praise and guidance, Coda has learned and grown, strengthening their relationship. Additionally, in August 2024, Coda participated in a small dog surfing competition near San Francisco, USA, aimed at fundraising for charitable organizations like the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) in their efforts to prevent animal abuse.