Today Show host James Bracey found himself at the center of an unusual prank during the morning show, all in the spirit of April Fool’s Day. In a segment that blurred the lines between humor and innovation, Bracey was fitted with a high-tech dog collar designed to detect “lies” about calorie intake, and it was used in an unexpected twist—on a human.
The collar, developed by pet food brand Pedigree, is part of a new system aimed at addressing the growing problem of pet obesity. According to a study conducted by Pedigree, nearly 69 percent of domestic dogs are overweight or obese, and the device was created to monitor dogs’ calorie consumption and alert owners when their pets are trying to trick them into more food.
Nathan Williams, a dog behavior expert, explained how the collar works: “The collar tracks a dog’s movement and calculates the number of calories burned throughout the day. Owners can input the amount of food given into an app connected to the collar, and it will indicate whether the dog has exercised enough to warrant more food or if it’s just acting hungry without burning enough calories.”
However, in a playful twist, Today Show host Sarah Abo decided to put the collar to the test on her co-host, James Bracey. As the collar was attached to Bracey, Abo jokingly quizzed him: “Okay James, how much are you enjoying your time here on the Today show?” The app reportedly responded with a “liar” alert when Bracey’s answer didn’t align with the calories he had reportedly burned during the day.
While the collar is not yet tested on humans, it was an amusing way to showcase the technology’s capabilities—and offer a few laughs for viewers on a day meant for lighthearted pranks.
This playful moment not only highlighted the potential for pet care innovation but also brought a touch of humor to the otherwise serious topic of pet health, proving that even a simple piece of technology can spark fun on set.
Related topics:
Avoid Shared Public Water Bowls for Dogs, Vet Warns
Far North Police Welcome New Four-Legged Members to the Force
Debate Erupts Over Dog Access to Australian National Parks
