Have you ever wondered how smart your dog is? While every dog is unique and has different abilities, there are ways to assess their cognitive ability. Through a series of tests, intelligence tests, you can determine if a dog excels in areas such as the memory, the solving problems and understanding human orders.
What are the most intelligent dog breeds?
According to the psychologist and expert in canine behavior Stanley CorenThe following breeds have high functional and obedience intelligence:
- Border Collie
- Caniche
- German shepherd
- Golden Retriever
- Doberman pinscher
- shetland sheepdog
- Labrador Retriever
- Papillón
- Rottweiler
- Australian Cattle Dog
On the other hand, breeds known for their lower capacity for obedience and learning include the Bulldog, Basenjic, Chow Chow and borzoi.
If your dog is not on the list of the most intelligent, do not worry. canine intelligence It does not only depend on the genetics, but also from training, and and mental stimulation that you receive
Conditions for performing the tests
For more accurate results, follow these recommendations before performing the exercises:
- The dog must be at least one year old.
- Make sure the test is done by your doctor. regular caregiver.
- Do not repeat the tests, the results must be taken at the same time. first attempt.
- Perform the tests in your usual environment to avoid distractions.
- The dog must be in fasting or with moderate hunger to better react to food incentives.
- Don't pressure him or demand too much from him, remember that the goal is to get to know him better and enjoy being with him.
Intelligence test 1: observation and association
One of the best indicators of the canine intelligence It is the ability of observation y association of behavioral patterns.
¿Cómo hacerlo?
Without calling him, do the actions you would normally do before taking him out for a walk: take his leash, his keys, and put on his shoes. Without opening the door, observe his reaction.
- If you run to the door immediately: 5 points.
- If it moves by itself when you approach the door: 4 points.
- If he approaches just by hearing the noise of the door: 3 points.
- If he just watches intently but doesn't move: 2 points.
- If it doesn't react at all: 1 point.
Intelligence Test 2: Understanding the Environment
¿Cómo hacerlo?
Move some furniture around in a room where your dog spends a lot of time. When he comes back, observe his reaction.
- If in less than 15 seconds you realize and start investigating: 5 points.
- Between 15 and 30 seconds: 4 points.
- Between 30 seconds and 1 minute: 3 points.
- If you notice but don't explore: 2 points.
- If you show no interest: 1 point.
Intelligence test 3: short-term memory
¿Cómo hacerlo?
Show him a treat, let him sniff it, and hide it in a corner of the room out of sight. Take him out of the room for 10 seconds and let him re-enter.
- If you go straight for the treat: 5 points.
- If he sniffs around a bit and finds the treat quickly: 4 points.
- If you find it in less than 45 seconds: 3 points.
- If it takes longer than 45 seconds: 2 points.
- If you don't look for it: 1 point.
Intelligence Test 4: Problem Solving
¿Cómo hacerlo?
Place a treat under a can or light box. Watch as he tries to get it.
- If you take it out in less than 15 seconds: 5 points.
- Between 15 and 30 seconds: 4 points.
- Between 30 and 60 seconds: 3 points.
- Between 1 and 2 minutes: 2 points.
- If you can't get it out: 1 point.
The results of these tests will not only help you to know your dog better, but will also allow you to optimize its training, and y mental stimulation to improve your people's wellbeing y happiness.