Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery

Two dogs tap copper cymbals in Shenyang, Liaoning province on Sunday. [Photo/IC]

Dogs replace monkeys as earners for owners

It wasn't unusual in the old days to see roadside monkey shows and pay the trainers but with changing public attitudes toward animal cruelty and exploitation the popularity of monkey trainers has fallen.

Now dogs have appeared.

Two have been trained to tap copper cymbals in Shenyang, Northeast China's Liaoning province to attract attention from the public and earn money for their owners.

The dogs can bring their owners nearly 1,000 yuan ($160) a day but also face sharp criticisms from animal protection groups.

Would you give money to the dog shows?