Training a dog is essential for everyone’s well-being, but some clever dogs find sneaky ways to train their families right back. Many dog parents have no idea what kind of trickery their pup is capable of! But then there’s Maui the Old English Sheepdog, who isn’t so subtle about his clever moves.

Maui has trained his family to hand over dog treats with a 100% success rate, but the genius way he does it is the ultimate trick. He gets to be naughty, cause chaos, and get a snack! If that’s not a dog’s dream come true, I don’t know what is.

What a naughty thief! Maui peeked into the room, holding the remote control in his mouth as if he wanted to be caught, and the leading theory is that he did. If Mom sees him with something in his mouth, she’ll eventually trade it for a dog treat!

“So basically he’s training you,” commented @rishawishs18. And he has zero regrets about it! He shows up with a new stolen item just about every day, and it never fails to get him a treat.

Related: Excited Dog Jumps Into Stranger’s Car and Steals Pizza Box During Priceless Zoomies Session

Many commenters came to the silly Sheepdog’s defence, claiming his scheme wasn’t as sly as it looked. @Dottyroads claimed, “The man just appreciates the barter system,” while @lauren96473 wrote, “Maui calls this win-win conflict resolution.”

Whatever inspires his hilarious antics, it’s hard to blame Maui for cheating the system. He can’t help it that he’s so smart! This hilarious dog may keep his cards close to his chest, but eagle-eyed pup parents can still see right through him.

Old English Sheepdogs

Sheepdogs like Maui may be most famous for their shaggy, fluffy coats, but they’re also known for their mellow and friendly demeanors. These gentle giants are surprisingly nimble for their size, and they’re happy to tag along on whatever adventure their family is up to. Old English Sheepdogs can also be great with children!

Maui proves that these massive dogs have a naughty side, but they’re also incredibly smart. Don’t doubt for a second that he knows exactly what he’s doing when he steals another random household item!

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This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Feb 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.