Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 2: Intelligence Tests
• Part 2 of 2: Improving Results
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

Determining the intelligence of animals is difficult. Many simple questions remain unanswered, and people continue to dispute the test results. Remember, even if your dog scores poorly, you can still claim to be the smartest dog in the world.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Intelligence Tests

1. 1 Find a stopwatch. For these tests, you need a watch with a second hand. They measure the ability to solve problems and adapt to the environment.
2. 2 Place a towel over the dog's head. Let your dog sniff with a large towel or small blanket. Place it on the dog's head so that it covers it completely. Start counting how long it will take for your dog to free himself. Write down the resulting figure:
   • 30 seconds or less: 3 points
   • 31-120 seconds: 2 points
   • She tried to free herself, but failed, for 120 seconds - 1 point (and remove the towel from her).
   • Didn't try to get free: 0 points.
   • You can practice beforehand by tossing a towel over a chair. It should be lowered in one smooth motion.
3. 3 Hide a treat under a towel. Show your dog a treat. While the dog is watching, place the treat on the floor and cover with a towel. Start your stopwatch and see how long it takes your dog to get to the treat:
   • 30 seconds or less: 3 points
   • 31-60 seconds: 2 points
   • Tried but missed within 60 seconds: 1 point
   • Didn't try: 0 points
4. 4 Create a low pass. This test requires a low passage where the dog can stick its paws but not the muzzle. A sofa works for this, or you can build one with a couple of books and a wide board. Place something heavy on the board to prevent the dog from knocking it over.
5. 5 See how the dog handles this puzzle. Place a treat under the board or couch while the dog is watching. Place it far enough so that the dog cannot reach with its muzzle. Time it out and cheer your dog up to reach for the treat:
   • Got it out with her paws in 2 minutes: 4 points
   • Got it out with her paws in 3 minutes: 3 points
   • Missing within 3 minutes, but using paws: 2 points
   • Didn't get it in the face: 1 point
   • Didn't try: 0 points
6. 6 Teach your dog to find hidden treats. The next test tests the dog's memory, not problem solving skills. To do this, the dog must understand what is happening. Place a treat under a plastic cup and tell your dog to find it. Raise the cup to show where the treat is. Do this about 8 times until the dog knows that the treat is under the cup.
7. 7 Test your dog's memory. Place three plastic buckets or cups upside down, about one step apart. Place a treat under one of the cups. Take the dog out of the room for about 30 seconds, then return to the room and instruct him to find a treat.
   • Checks under the correct cup on the first try: 2 points
   • Finds within two minutes: 1 point
   • Doesn't find: 0 points
8. 8 Calculate your dog's results. Add up all the scores and see the results:
   • 11-12 points: genius dog
   • 8-10 points: excellent student
   • 4-7 points: good
   • 1-3 points: I'm a dog, not a scientist
   • 0 points: the dog should be trained ...

Part 2 of 2: Improving Results

1. 1 Do it in a playful way. Don't be just an impartial observer. If the dog is not interested, it will not even try to do anything. Encourage your dog with gestures or a smile to keep him interested, but don't overdo it so that he doesn't forget what is required of him.
2. 2 Choose a special treat. The dog must be interested. Choose a treat with a strong smell and taste, as your dog will notice it faster. If you plan to run a series of tests at once, cut the treat into several small pieces.
   • Bits of sausage, boiled chicken, or cheese work well.
   • Use a dry, odorless treat to test your memory.
3. 3 The test should be performed by the dog owner. Testing will work best if done by a person who spends a lot of time with the dog. A dog may not show its full potential if it has lived with the test taker for less than three months.
4. 4 Test already grown puppies. Puppies under 1 year of age are likely not to be as smart and obedient as an adult dog.
5. 5 Teach your dog to find treasures. Let your dog watch you hide the treat in a box or under a table. When she finds a treat, hide the next one in a more difficult-to-reach place. When your dog gets a taste, you can start hiding treats while he is not watching you.
6. 6 Teach the command "new trick". This is a great way to challenge your dog. It is best if you have already taught your dog a few tricks. Using the clicker, say "new trick" and reward the dog for any trick he performs. Repeat, but this time only reward if the dog actually does the new trick. Continue until the tricks run out or she starts to make mistakes.
7. 7 Buy brain testing puzzles for your dog. You can't train her all the time, so give her homework as an interactive toy. These toys contain delicacies that fall out only if she solves the puzzle. Some even have voice commands built in. Be careful with these toys if your dog likes to chew all the time.

Tips

• You can find online games to develop your dog's intelligence and play together.

Warnings

• Use a thin blanket that allows your dog to move around easily. If you use a thick, heavy blanket, your dog may be left out of air.

What do you need

• Dog
• Stopwatch
• Bedspread or towel
• Treat or toys
• 3 buckets or cups