A new gadget has been developed to trick pets into looking at your smartphone camera to help you take the perfect snap of your fidgeting* four-legged friends.

The flexible device clips to the top of your smartphone and dangles* a pet’s favorite treat just above its camera to direct the animal’s attention toward the lens.

The US$12 device, dubbed Flexy Paw, fits most smartphones and tablets, and can grasp treats up to 1.3 cm thick.

Paw Champs, the company behind the gadget, said: “We all struggle to grab our pets attention and we’re always looking for perfect photos to share on our social media. With the FlexyPaw, you can snap those pictures easily. Your pets will always stare at their favorite treat and it’s the perfect training tool without them even knowing!”

It’s the latest in a range of smartphone products that have been developed for pet owners. In December, a gizmo was released that lets dog-owners monitor their pets and even dispense treats long-distance. Furbo connects with an app on pet lovers’ mobile phones, allowing them to watch their dogs via a high-definition* camera with night vision. A speaker and microphone means they can also talk to their pooch or set up the software to send an alert every time he barks.

And with a tap of a button the gadget, which looks like a ceramic biscuit jar, throws out a treat. At US$260, the Wi-Fi-connected device does not come cheap, and some owners said they feared larger dogs could topple it over trying to get at the snacks.(SD-Agencies)