Take this test to find out how smart your dog is
If you think your pet is above average when it comes to brainpower, try these fun tasks to find out.
Learning through observation
At a time that you don’t normally walk your dog, ensure they are looking at you. Now pick up your keys and wallet, as well as the dog’s leash, and then freeze in position.
Grade your dog’s reaction from 1 (no reaction) to 5 (the dog runs to the door, assuming you are taking him for a walk).
Problem solving
Show your dog a treat that you know they like, and then allow them to watch you while you hide it underneath a container on the floor. How long does it take for the dog to get the food?
Grade your dog from 0 (no interest in the food) to 1 (dog takes over a minute to find food) to 5 (it takes him under five seconds to find the food).
Short-term memory skills
Have someone hold your dog in the centre of a room. Show the dog (and allow him to sniff) a treat you know they like, and then have them watch you lay it down in the corner of the room. Now remove the dog from the room and bring him back in 10 seconds later. Let him loose and see how long it takes him to find the food.
Grade your dog from 0 (no interest in the treat) to 1 (tries to find it but doesn’t succeed within 45 seconds) to 5 (immediately goes straight to the food). Grade as 2-4 depending on how actively you feel the dog seeks out the food.
Long term memory
Straight after the short term memory test, perform this one. Use a different corner for the treat this time, but also keep the dog outside the room for five minutes rather than just a few seconds. Use the same scoring system as above.
Comprehending language
Wait until your dog is sitting comfortably around two metres away from you. Use the same tone of voice that you would use to call your dog, but say a neutral word such as ‘garden’ and then try ‘chair’ before calling their name.
Score your dog from 1 (no response) to 2-3 (dog will come when a random word is called) to 4-5 (comes over slowly or promptly to their name).
Your dog’s results
0-5: While Fido may be a great companion, he is not going to win a scholarship to Puppy University.
5-20: Your dog falls within the average range for a pet.
20-25: This pooch could potentially be smarter than you.
Have you got a super smart dog? Share your story below, we would love to hear from you.
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