Man Who Spent $14,000 To 'Become A Dog' Attempts Agility Course With Surprising Results

A Japanese man, who has spent a whopping $14,000 to transform himself into a dog and is known as Toco in his furry guise, recently tackled an agility course, with surprising results.

Credit: YouTube/ I want to be an animal

Toco, who has been attracting attention and amassing followers due to his eccentric hobby, first made waves last year with online clips showcasing his remarkably realistic dog suit.

He regularly updates his adventures as Toco on his YouTube channel ‘I want to be an animal’.

In his pursuit of a canine lifestyle, Toco has acquired a dog crate for sleeping and even shared experiences of being walked on a leash.

Credit: YouTube/ I want to be an animal

And now, Toco has embarked on a agility course, in a video that was uploaded on YouTube earlier this month.

The video begins with Toco startling actual dogs with his imposing appearance, a common start to his videos.

His agility course attempt, however, starts with a hiccup as he fails to clear a jump, hitting the bar a few feet off the ground.

This mistake, according to a dog trainer, would result in an automatic disqualification in a real competition.

Credit: YouTube/ I want to be an animal

Brianne Farr, a dog trainer and owner of Trinity Border Collies, commented to the New York Post, 

"I don’t know how he maneuvers in that contraption because it looks like it’s challenging for sure." 

Farr noted Toco's slow approach to the jump as a disqualifying factor in a formal contest. 

Despite this, she acknowledged Toco's correct execution of the weave poles, even as he struggled with them.

"He definitely needs to work on his jumping skills," she said.

"Overall, I think it was a bit of a struggle for him."

Toco also tried other typical dog agility obstacles in the course.

Despite his engagement in various canine activities, Toco has clarified misconceptions about his intentions.

Speaking to the New York Post earlier, he said, "My desire to be an animal is like a desire to transform…a desire to be something that I am not."

He revealed that he wears the dog costume about once a week, mostly at home.

Interestingly, Toco's family has been supportive of his unique hobby.

"The family was surprised, but received it favorably," he said.

"I am very happy that they accepted it."