Q&A for How to Test a Dog's Intelligence

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I tried it, but my dog couldn't do it. Is it hard at first?

Community Answer

Yes. Some dogs have trouble because they are hyper or easily distracted. Just keep at it.

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Question

If my dog isn't hyper or easily distracted, is it just dumb?

Community Answer

Of course your dog isn't dumb. Perhaps boredom is the issue here. Some dogs are just low-key and not easily distracted.

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Question

I know a sick dog. His owners have cancer and feed him table scraps and cheap dog food. He has lost the hair around his ear, face and belly. His skin looks like an elephant. What should I do?

Community Answer

Ask the owners if you can take him to the vet. Once he is better, you can ask the owners if you can take him to care for him or take him to a shelter.

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Question

What do I do if my dog doesn't pass any of the tests?

Community Answer

Don't worry about it. How smart our dogs are is not terribly important, unless you need a dog for certain purposes, like guiding the blind. I love my little guy, and he's so sweet. His quirks make him a thousand times more lovable. Just enjoy your dog.

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Question

One of my dogs did the towel test in twenty seconds, and my other did it in ten. Does that mean my first dog is smarter than the other?

Bleaky

Community Answer

It depends how you look at it, but I would say probably. Some dogs are simply faster problem-solvers than others, but you also have to consider the age of your dogs, since an older dog may be a bit slower than a fully-functioning pup.

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Question

My dog has such a tiny head she can fit it under basically anything. How can I do the paw coordination test?

Community Answer

You can create a very low level or find another test to do with her. You could see how she fares flipping over cans too low for her muzzle, or just skip the test.

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Question

My dog did most of the tests in 20 seconds or less. She got 11 points. Is she a "genius"?

Community Answer

Yes! It says so in the article, that if your dog gets 11-12 points, then she is a genius!

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Question

Will the "new trick" work without a clicker too?

Fire Fur Kira Anderson

Community Answer

It will most likely work with verbal reward ("good girl" "good boy") or a treat.

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Question

How do I determine how many points I should give my dog if he knocks a cup over when choosing the correct cup?

Community Answer

If the cup he knocked over was the correct cup, give him 3 points. If it was the wrong cup, let him keep trying.

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Question

Is it cheating if I've already trained my dog to drag things?

Community Answer

No. If you have trained your dog to drag things, it will most likely get more points on that one test.

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Question

My dog got 12 points does that mean she is over average?

Community Answer

Yes. The average is 4 - 7 points. 12 points = canine genius. The key is at the end of part 1 of the tutorial. Congratulations, you have one smart dog!

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Question

So is it strange that my younger dog got a higher score than my older dog?

Community Answer

No, not really. Some young people are smarter than older people, same with dogs. Every being has different intelligence levels and abilities.

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Question

But my dog doesn’t wanted to do this test, why?

Luciana Gamallo

Community Answer

Maybe he/she is not in the mood for it. Wait until he/she is more alert about their surroundings.

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