Parents need to know that this variety show competition focuses on animals (mostly domestic pets like dogs, birds, etc.) whose owners want to show off their nifty tricks. Clearly, the owners adore their pets -- they speak proudly of them and lovingly stroke them while they're being interviewed -- and the relationships appear to be mutual; animals aren't being mistreated here. But the whole concept of putting pets in the performance spotlight raises some ethical issues that parents may want to be on hand to comment about, particularly for the more demanding and involved tricks, or those that feature exotic animals like seals. Also, the judges' humor sometimes touches on more adult-oriented topics like dating, relationships, ex-wives, and so on.

Families can talk about the competing animals' intelligence and physical abilities. Did you know dogs and birds could do things like that? How do you think they learned their tricks? Do these antics test an animal's intelligence and physical agility or make them appear silly for a laugh? Parents and kids can also discuss the necessary skill and patience on the part of the trainer.