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Miscellaneous

How Smart Is Your Dog?

Put your dog through these 4 simple tests and see how he/she rates on the smart chart

Test 1
Basic Problem Solving
You will need an empty can, your dog's favourite food treat and a stopwatch. Show your dog the treat and let him sniff it. Then, with great enthusiasm, put the treat on the ground and cover it with the can. Start the stopwatch immediately and encourage your dog to get the treat.

If he knocks the can away and gets the treat in five seconds or less, score 5

In 6-15 seconds, score 4

In 16-30 seconds, score 3

In 31-60 seconds, score 2

Anything after that, score 1

Test 2
Advanced Problem Solving
You will need a treat and a low table, which you can make with some books and a board. The idea is to make the table too near the ground for the dogs head to fit under, but high enough for him to reach under with his paws. Making sure your dog is watching from nearby, show him the treat and let him sniff it. Then quite clearly place the treat under the table. Start the stopwatch immediately and encourage your dog to get the treat.

If he uses his paws and retrieves the treat in 60 seconds or less, score 5

If he takes 1-3 minutes, score 4

If he takes longer than 3 minutes or uses his muzzle only and fails to get the treat, score 3

If he doesn't use his paws and simply sniffs, or makes 1 or 2 attempts to retrieve the treat and then gives up, score 2

If after 3 minutes he makes no effort, score 1

Test 3
Social Learning
Pick a time when your dog is sitting about eight feet away from you, but has not been told to sit and stay. Stare intently at his face. When your dog looks at you, count silently to three and then smile broadly.

If he comes to you with his tail wagging, score 5

If he comes towards you slowly or only part of the way without wagging his tail, score 4

If he rises from his sitting position, but does not move towards you, score 3

If he moves away from you, score 2

If he pays no attention, score 1

Test 4
Observational Learning
Pick a time of day when you don't usually walk your dog, and make sure he's nearby. When he looks at you, silently pick up your coat, keys and leash. Stop still, without going towards the door.

If your dog runs to the door or comes to you showing excitement, score 5

If not, move towards the door the stop. If he then comes in anticipation of a walk, score 4

If not, place your hand on the door handle and move it to make a noise. If your dog then comes, score 3

If he pays some attention but does not actually come to you, score 2

If he pays no attention, score 1

Add up the scores from the four test
then click on the drinking dog below to find out how well your dog did

Article taken from the Sunday People Magazine on 25th November 2001. It was adapted from "How Smart Is Your Dog?" by Dr Stanley Coren (Paul Lamond Games, Ł7.99)

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