Performing pooches tour Japanese schools to educate kids about pet ownership

A circus featuring dancing dogs is touring around Japan with the intention of teaching young children the responsibilities that come with owning a pet.

The Wow Wow Dog Circus performers are all unwanted dogs who have been rescued and trained to perform impressive tricks like skipping, balancing on balls, and walking across beams.

Dog trainer Kayo Takeda said: "The main focus of the programme is to make them understand the value of life, while they are still kids, in the hope that they will pass on what they learned to others."

It may seem like an unusual approach, but the circus is proving extremely popular with children at the schools, who are being encouraged to adopt animals from shelters rather than buying from pet shops.