Two terrified dogs refused to walk over a frozen laze and thought they were smart - by staying on the areas covered with snow.

The pooches, named Chic and Yum-yum, ventured onto the ice with their owner in Saskatchewan, Canada, on Sunday (29/09).

The pair were fine when bounding along the parts covered with a white surface - but were confused by the dark blue frozen area and made a quick retreat.

Owner Rolando Espina pointed out that even the parts of the lake with snow on could crack but the dogs were tricked into believing they were safe there.

He said his ''useless'' dogs thought they were ''smart'' by staying on the snow-covered parts.

Rolando said: ''Chic and Yum-yum may look tough outside, but they are mushy and soft on the inside.

"I thought they would be more like guard dogs, but they turned out to be big babies.

''They were afraid to step on the frozen lake so they just stayed on the part with snow, walking and running along that.

''They were afraid of the frozen lake and sensed it could be dangerous if it breaks but they were useless as they didn't realise the snow was still on the frozen part.''

Lakes across Canada are starting to freeze as winter sets in. They will thaw again next spring.