Below are some tests that
you can do with your dog, as well as a scoring system to keep track of
intelligence. Don't necessarily try to do these tests all in one day -
your dog may become overwhelmed and not understand why you're sending them
through all these strange and bizarre actions.
And the most important thing - don't be
negative! Make these tests fun for your dog - treat them like
games! And always - no matter how high or low they score - give them lots
of love and positive attention afterwards.
Towel
test: Take a large towel or blanket and gently place it over your
dog's head.
If he frees himself from the towel in less than 15
seconds, give him 3 points. If it takes 15-30 seconds, 2 points. Longer
than 30 seconds earns 1 point.
Bucket
test: Place a dog treat or a favorite toy under one of three
buckets placed next to each other. Let the dog know which bucket the treat is
under, than turn the dog away for a few seconds. Then, let her find the
treat.
If she immediately goes to the correct bucket give
her 3 points. If she takes two attempts, score 2 points. If your
dog looks under the other two buckets first, score 1 point.
Favorite
spot: With your dog out of the room, rearrange the furniture. When
he re-enters the room, if he goes directly to his favorite spot give him 3
points.
If it takes him 30 seconds to investigate before he
finds his spot, give him 2 points. If he decides on a new area
completely, score 1 point.
Chair
puzzle: Place a treat under a table or chair low enough so your
dog can only fit her paw and cannot fit her head.
If your dog figures how to reach the treat within
one minute, score 3 points. If she uses her paws and nose, score 2
points. If your dog gives up, score 1 point.
Go for a
walk! On a day or time you normally don't walk your dog, quietly
pick up your keys, and his leash while he's watching you.
If he gets excited immediately, score 3 points. If
you have to walk to the door before he knows it's time to go out, score 2
points. If he sits and just looks confused give him 1 point.
Barrier
test: Construct a barrier from cardboard that is 5 feet wide and
taller than your dog when she's on two legs, so she can't see over it.
Attach two boxes to either side as support structures.
In the center of the cardboard, cut a 3 inch-wide
rectangular aperture - it should run from about 4 inches from the top to about
4 inches from the bottom. (This way, the dog can see through the barrier
but cannot physically get through.) Toss a toy or treat to the other side
of the barrier, or have someone stand on the other side.
If your dog walks around the barrier within 30
seconds, give her 3 points. If she goes around the barrier between 30
seconds and one minute, give 2 points. If she gets her head stuck in the
aperture trying to get through, give her 1 point for effort!
Scoring 16
points or higher - Brilliant! 13 to 16 points - Well above average 9
to twelve points - Average 5 to 8 points - Below average 1 to 4
points - Not the brightest.
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