In the field of animal intelligence research, even defining the object of study can be difficult. Many fundamental questions remain unanswered, and there is endless dispute over the meaning of the test results. So remember that you can always claim that your dog is the smartest in the world, regardless of his score!
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Performing the Intelligence Tests
Step 1. Get a stopwatch
These tests are designed to assess the dog's ability to adapt to the environment and solve problems within a certain amount of time, so you will need a stopwatch to score.
Step 2. Throw a towel over the dog's head
Have him sniff a large towel or small blanket, then throw the towel over his head to cover it completely. Start the stopwatch and see how long it takes to break free. Score the score:
- 30 seconds or less: 3 points
- 31-120 seconds: 2 points
- He tries but fails within 120 seconds: 1 point (and free him from the towel!)
- Doesn't try to break free: 0 points
- It would be best to practice a little first by throwing the towel over a chair; it should land in one smooth motion.
Step 3. Hide a treat under the towel
Show the dog a treat, then, while he watches, place it on the floor and cover it with the towel. Start the stopwatch and see how long it takes the dog to take the treat.
- 30 seconds or less: 3 points
- 31-60 seconds: 2 points
- He tries but fails to catch it within 60 seconds: 1 point
- Doesn't even test: 0 points
Step 4. Prepare a narrow opening
For this test you will need a very low opening from the ground, in which the dog can put his paws but not the muzzle. The space under the sofa might be fine, otherwise make your own with a couple of books and a large table. Weight the plank so that your dog can't tip it over easily.
Step 5. Test it with the new puzzle
While the dog is watching, place a treat under the plank or sofa, pushing it in far enough to prevent the dog from reaching for it with its muzzle. Encourage him to take the tidbit while you time it.
- Succeeds within 2 minutes (using paws): 4 points
- Succeeds within 3 minutes (using paws): 3 points
- He can't catch it within 3 minutes, but uses his paws: 2 points
- Fails, use only the muzzle: 1 point
- Does not test: 0 points
Step 6. Teach him to find a hidden treat
The next test is designed to test the dog's memory, not his ability to solve problems; in order to do it, the dog must understand what is happening. Place a treat under a plastic cup, then order the dog to find it; raises the glass to show him where he is. Repeat this for about 8-10 times, until the dog learns that the treats go under the glasses.
Step 7. Test his memory
Place three plastic cups (or other similar containers) upside down on the floor, about 30 cm apart from each other. Place a treat under one of the glasses while the dog is watching. Lead the dog out of the room for 30 seconds, then take him back inside and urge him to find the treat.
- Chooses the right glass on the first try: 2 points
- Find the tidbit within two minutes: 1 point
- Doesn't find it: 0 points
Step 8. Calculate the overall score
Add up all the points your dog earned and find out how he ranked:
- 11-12 points: canine genius
- 8-10 points: model pupil of the training school
- 4-7 points: any Fido
- 1-3 points: "I bark, I don't think!"
- 0 points: Are you sure you haven't just tested a floor mop?
Part 2 of 2: Getting Better Results
Step 1. Treat the tests like a game
This is no time to be an impartial observer, your dog's admission to college is at stake! Seriously, if the dog isn't interested, he won't even try to complete the tests. Encourage him with gestures or smiles, keeping his interest high but not arousing him to the point of making him forget what to do.
Step 2. Use a special treat
The dog must cooperate in order to be subjected to the tests: choose a tasty and fragrant morsel with which to bribe him. Soft foods with a strong aroma are best, because the dog can notice and eat them quickly; cut them into pea-sized pieces if you're going to do all of these tests at once.
- Great options are hot dog bits, cooked chicken, or cheese.
- Use a dry, lightly scented treat for the memory test.
Step 3. Have the dog owner conduct the tests
Such tests work best if they are offered by a person with whom the animal spends a lot of time. The dog may not be at its full potential if it has lived with the test taker for less than three months.
Step 4. Test a puppy again once it has grown up
A specimen that is less than a year old will probably not be as obedient or "intelligent" as an adult can be.
Step 5. Train your dog for treasure hunting
Order him to sit still while he watches you "hide" a treat in a box or under a table. When it finds it, hide the next one in a more difficult place. Once the dog has improved enough, you can hide the tidbit while he is not looking and make things more complicated by placing several barriers to overcome.
Step 6. Teach him the "New Trick" command
This is a great way to challenge your dog. This works best if you've already taught him several tricks using a clicker. Tell him "New trick" by making noise with the clicker, then reward him for each trick he performs; repeat the command immediately and reward him only if he does something new. Continue until the dog completes all the tricks or no longer knows what to do.
Step 7. Buy puzzles to test the dog's intelligence
You can't always be there to teach him: give him "homework" in the form of interactive dog toys. This type of game has treats hidden inside that don't come out unless the dog solves the puzzle. Some also have an electronic voice that gives commands, but it is best not to use them if the dog has a habit of chewing constantly.
Advice
- You can find intelligence games for dogs online or on mobile devices to have fun with your four-legged friend.
- Don't be discouraged if your dog fails the tests early on. Keep trying!
