Canine cognition describes how dogs processes the environment around them. Understanding your dogs learning style can help you understand what motivates him most, which in turn can help you with the training process. If you think your dog is a slow learner and finds it difficult to pick up your commands, this doesn’t mean he isn’t smart, he just may learn in a different way to what you expect!
The below dog IQ test, developed by renowned researcher Stanley Coren, sets up a series of challenges for your dog to undertake that will help you understand how best your dog learns.
Test One: Food Under Can – tests problem solving ability
What you’ll need:
- an empty can/cup
- treats
- timer
- Ask the dog to sit, show him the treat and let him sniff it.
- With the dogs attention, place the treat on the ground around 2m away from the dog and place the cup over the treat.
- Start timing and encourage the dog to get the food.
Score:
If the dog knocks over the cup and gets the treat in;
5 seconds or less = 5 points
5 to 15 seconds = 4 points
15 to 30 seconds = 3 points
30 to 60 seconds = 2 points
If the dog sniffs around but didn’t get the treat after 60 seconds = 1 point
Test Two: Dog Under Towel – tests problem solving ability
What you’ll need:
- A towel
- timer
- Your dog should be awake and reasonably active, let the dog sniff the towel.
- Throw the towel over the dogs head, so head and shoulders are covered.
- Start timing.
Score:
If the dog frees itself in;
5 seconds or less = 5 points
5 to 15 seconds = 4 points
15 to 30 seconds = 3 points
30 to 60 seconds = 2 points
If the dog isn’t free after 60 seconds = 1 point
Test Three: Smile Recognition – tests facial expression recognition
- Wait until your dog is sat about 2m away from you – do not tell your dog to sit/stay.
- Stare into your dogs face and when he looks at you, smile broadly.
Score:
If your dog comes to you with tail wagging = 5 points
If your dog comes to you slowly or part way, with no tail wagging = 4 points
If your dog stands or rises into a sitting position, but does not move to you = 3 points
If your dog moves away from you = 2 points
If your dog pays no attention = 1 point
Test Four: Food Under Towel – tests problem solving ability (more difficult)
What you’ll need:
- A towel
- A large treat
- timer
- Ask your dog to sit and show them the food to let them sniff.
- With the dogs attention, place the food about 2m away on the floor and cover with the towel.
- Start timing and encourage the dog to get the food.
Score:
If the dog gets the food in;
15 seconds or less = 5 points
15 to 30 seconds = 4 points
30 to 60 seconds = 3 points
Dog tries but gives up = 2 points
Dog doesn’t try to get food = 1 point
Test Five: Retrieve From Under Barrier – tests problem solving and manipulation ability
What you’ll need:
- Make a table low enough to prevent your dogs head going under, but high enough for his paw to go under
- Large treat
- Timer
- Ensure your dog is watching, show him the treat and let him sniff.
- Place the treat far enough under the table that he can use his paws to reach it.
- Start timing and encourage your dog to get the food.
Score:
If the dog uses its paws to retrieve the food in 60 seconds or less = 5 points
If the dog uses its paws to retrieve the food in 1 to 3 minutes= 4 points
If the dog uses its paws or muzzle and fails to get food after 3 minutes = 3 points
If the dog uses its paws, simply sniffs and gives one or two attempts with muzzle = 2 points
If the dog makes no attempt to retrieve food after 3 minutes = 1 point
Test Six: Name Recognition- tests language comprehension
- Wait until your dog is settled comfortably around 2m away from you and in the tone of voice you would usually call his name, call out ‘refrigerator!’
Score:
For this test, score by following the below process;
If dog shows some response to come = 3 points
If dog does not come, call ‘movies’ in the same tone. If dog comes = 2 points
If the dog doesn’t respond, call its name. If the dog comes or shows a tendency to move to you = 5 points
If the dog hasn’t moved, call its name a second time. If the dog comes = 4 points
If the dog still doesn’t come= 1 point
The aim of this one is to ensure the dog only comes when you’re actually calling his name!
RESULTS
Over 25 points = Genius!
15 to 25 points = Smart dog.
5 to 15 points = Not too bright.
Below 5 points = Needs more work!
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