CANINE CORNER WITH REBECCA HAWKINS
How intelligent is your dog?
According to Stanley Coren, author of “Intelligence in dogs”, there are three types of dog intelligence.
- Adaptive intelligence (Learning and problem solving ability) measured by IQ tests.
- Instinctive intelligence (specific to individual) measured by IQ tests.
- Working/Obedience intelligence. This is breed dependant.
You can research your specific breed, but as a guide the dogs ranked in the top spots are Collies, Poodles and German Shepherds, and the last places are Bulldogs, Basenji and Afghan Hounds.
Here is an intelligence test devised by Coren just for fun. Keep a tally of the points and the results are at the end.
Test 1 - Food under a can. This will test your dog’s problem solving ability.
Items needed - An empty can or plastic cup, high value treats and a timer.
How to do the test.
- First get your dog into a sit.
- Show your dog the treat and let them sniff it.
- With the dogs full attention, slowly place the treat on the ground and place the can over the top of it.
- Start timing and encourage the dog to find the treat.
If the dog knocks over the can in 5 seconds or less, score 5 points; 5-15 seconds, 4 points; 15-30 seconds, 3 points; 30-60 seconds, 2 points; and if your dog doesn’t even try it then score 1 point.
Test 2 - Food under a towel. A more difficult problem solving test.
Items needed - Hand towel or tea towel, high value treats, timer
Do the test the same way as before with the treat but instead cover the treat with a towel and score the dog as before.
If the dog gets the treat in 5 seconds or less score 5 points; 5-15 seconds, 4 points; 15-30 seconds, 3 points; 30-60 seconds, 2 points; and if your dog doesn’t even try it, 1 point.
Test 3 - Dog under towel. To test problem solving ability.
Items needed - Large bath towel or blanket, a timer.
How to do the test.
- Make sure your dog is fully awake.
- Let the dog sniff the towel
- With a quick smooth motion throw the towel over the dogs head, so it’s head and shoulders are completely covered.
If the dog frees itself in 5 seconds score 5 points; 5-10 seconds, 4 points; 15-30 seconds, 3 points; 30-60 seconds, 2 points; if the dog hasn’t freed itself after 60 seconds, 1 point.
Test 4 - Can your dog recognise a smile? Another problem solving ability.
Items needed - Your dog and a smile.
How to do the test.
- Have your dog sitting about 2 metres away from you.
- The dog must not have been told to stay or sit.
- Stare intently at your dog’s face - when your dog looks at you, count silently 3 seconds and then smile broadly.
If your dog comes with tail wagging 5 points
If your dog comes slowly only part of the way, with no tail wag 4 points
If your dog stands or rises from a sitting position, but does not move forward 3 points
If your dog moves away from you 2 points
If your dog pays no attention 1 point.
Test 5 - Does your dog know its name?
Items needed - a voice and your dog.
How to do the test.
- Your dog should be settled comfortably around two metres in front of you.
- In the voice tone you use to call your dog call “Refrigerator!”
If the dog shows some response to move forward 3 points
If the dog does not come, call “Movies!” In the same tone. If the dog comes 2 points.
If the dog has still not responded call its name. If the dog comes or shows a tendency to move to you 5points.
If the dog has not moved, call its name a second time. If the dog comes 4 points.
If the dog still doesn’t come 1 point.
RESULTS -
Add up all the scores on each test and find out if you have a genius or a bit of a plonker.
Over 20 points - your dog is a genius
10-20 points - your dog is smart but won’t pass for Cambridge.
5-10 points - your dog uses his cuteness to get by
Below 5 points - your dog must be an Afghan