Meet some of the smartest dogs on the planet, 3/7

If you're nothing like us, you think your dog is pretty smart, or at least of above-average intelligence.

Throw a blanket over you canine and she finds her way out within a minute or so. Point to a cup and she tips it, finding the hidden treat.

As far as dogs go, yours is a high-school graduate. But would you like to see what a canine Ph.D. can do?

Those who participate in the Phoenix Dogfest Walk 'n' Roll on Saturday, March 7, will be among dogs that can open doors, turn on lights and alert owners to important sounds. And while most dogs will fetch toys and treats, these particular canines will pick up items in which they have no personal interest.

The Dogfest benefits Canine Companions for Independence, the group that sculpts rowdy, rule-breaking pups into adult dogs that assist people with disabilities. The companion animals are trained to follow as many as 40 commands, and costs often exceed $45,000 per dog (breeding, raising, training) to attain that Ph.D. level, according to the group.

Feel free to take part in the quarter-mile dog walk where your canine will fit in with all the others. But to see just how far your dog would need to go to be a member of the CCI team, watch a demonstration of an assistance animal. Makes getting out from under a blanket seem not so special.

If you think such demonstrations would bring shame to your canine, feel free to enjoy dog yoga or dog agility.

The Dogfest is free, and donations are encouraged. And if it makes you feel any better, our Accessory Dog went to the cup we indicated but had no idea how to tip it. True story.

Phoenix Dogfest Walk 'n' Roll

When: 9 a.m. Saturday, March 7.

Where: Scottsdale Civic Center, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd.

Admission: Free; donations accepted.

Details:cci.org/dogfestphoenix.