Husband and wife Scott and Joan Houghton bring their team of trained canines to Easton for "Mutts Gone Nuts: Canine Cabaret," a one-hour show of tricks and treats, at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Oct. 5, State Theatre Center for the Arts, 453 Northampton St., Easton.

Parents or guardians who bring a can of dog food as a donation receive one free child's admission to the show.

"Mutts Gone Nuts" features 10 rescue dogs who have been trained to play Frisbee, high jump and more.

It is important for Scott Houghton and his wife to rescue the dogs they train. "We wanted to give abandoned dogs a good home and good life," he says in a phone interview. "All our dogs have a lot of exercise and a lot of fun."

One of the dogs in "Mutts Gone Nuts" is Geronimo, a Border Collie and Kelpie mix who set The Guinness World Records for "doggie double Dutch" jump rope on "The Today Show" on NBC last year.

Houghton's favorite skit of the 55-minute performance is the circus style mutt routine, where he and his wife attempt tricks with five of the dogs. "The dogs do everything my wife wants, but nothing for me. The kids in the audience get a kick out of that."

Working with his wife is a pleasure for Houghton. "We are best friends," he says. "Fortunately, we get along because we are always together."

Right now, he and his wife are working on writing new material to expand the show to 90 minutes.

"Our show appeals to all ages," says Houghton. "The dogs cut through all ages and connect everyone. Even the middle-schoolers and high school students let go of their 'coolness' and just enjoy the show."

Audience interaction is a big part of the "Mutts Gone Nuts" show.

"Our roots are in street theater, so we are veterans of interacting with an audience," Houghton says. "It's a lot of fun. The show is a blend of comedy and great canine athletics. "

Tickets: State Theatre Box Office, 453 Northampton St., Easton; statetheatre.org, 1-800-999-STATE, 610-252-3132