In this post, we\u2019ll give you a background on the different ways your pooch is smart, tips for testing, and how to evaluate the results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the following doggy IQ test, you will need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Treats<\/li>
- A towel or blanket<\/li>
- Three plastic cups, containers, or buckets<\/li>
- Cardboard<\/li>
- Stopwatch<\/li>
- Creativity!<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"dog](\"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/snoop_boston_2022-25-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThe 3 Different Types of Canine Intelligence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Like humans, dogs can have various forms of intelligence such as visual, auditory, or tactile. According to Dr. Coren<\/a>, Dog Intelligence can be broken down into three groups:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Instinct intelligence<\/li>
- Adaptive intelligence<\/li>
- Working & obedience intelligence<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Instinct intelligence<\/strong> can be derived from their type of breed. Guard dogs watch over things, retrievers fetch, hounds track or pursue, border collies do herding, pointers sniff out birds and indicate their location by pointing, while companion dogs are attuned to human social signals and respond to our moods to provide comfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Adaptive intelligence<\/strong> is basically a measure of what a dog can learn to do for himself. It includes learning and benefiting from experience with his environment, solving new problems, and so forth. Adaptive intelligence can differ among individuals of the same breed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Working and obedience intelligence <\/strong>is the closest to what we might call school-learning ability and is based upon what the dog can learn to do when instructed by humans\/dog owners. It is important because if dogs did not respond to human instruction, they would not be capable of performing the utilitarian tasks that we originally valued them for, which means that they would never have been domesticated and wouldn\u2019t be with us now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With all these types of skills, it\u2019s safe to say not one strength makes one dog smarter than another. It is simply a matter of different intelligence types.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It would be unfair to say that a dog IQ test is accurate in terms of showing your dog\u2019s intelligence, but they are helpful in determining problem-solving and memory skills that ultimately are important cognition assessments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ready for the Dog IQ Test?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"dog](\"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/corgi-with-glasses-on-1024x536.webp\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nIMPORTANT TIPS BEFORE TEST<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
While there are many ways to examine a dog\u2019s IQ, the below are variations of the standard tests from Dr. Coren, which are commonly used. These are tests that you can execute with your dog and the scoring system will keep track of intelligence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We don\u2019t recommend that these are all done on the same day, as your dog may not understand your unusual actions and requests and may end up feeling overwhelmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Last, but not least \u2013 don\u2019t be negative! The idea is to treat these tests as games and make them a fun time for both of you. And always \u2013 no matter how high or low they score \u2013 give your smart dog lots of love and positive attention afterward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"dog](\"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/dog-training-1024x536.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nTest 1: The Towel Test<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Allow your dog to smell and get familiar with a large towel or blanket. Once comfortable, place it over your dog\u2019s head. This task will provide insight into your dog\u2019s ability to solve problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Scoring:<\/strong> Give your dog three points if he figures out how to free himself in under fifteen seconds, two points if it takes fifteen to thirty seconds, and one point if it takes more than thirty seconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Test 2: Hidden Treat Test<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Place a treat on the floor and place a towel over it. Grab your stopwatch and see how long it takes for the dog to get the treat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Scoring:<\/strong> Give your dog three points if he figures in under fifteen seconds, two points if it takes fifteen to sixty seconds, and one point if it takes more than sixty seconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Test 3: Which Cup?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/dog-cup-game-1024x536.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nPlace two or three empty buckets or cups upside down in a row. While your pup watches, place a treat under one of the containers. Distract him for a few seconds before allowing him to look for the treat. This will test your dog\u2019s memory and will help determine how well your dog can learn and retain information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Scoring:<\/strong> Give him three points if he goes straight to the container hiding the treat, two if he checks one empty container before finding the right one, and one point if he checks both wrong containers before locating the treat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Test 4: Problem-Solving<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Underneath a piece of furniture (low enough to the ground that only your dog\u2019s paw will fit), place a treat or dog food within the paw\u2019s reach. This task will test your dog\u2019s reasoning and problem-solving skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Scoring:<\/strong> Give your dog three points if it takes him under a minute to reach for the dog treat using only his paw. If he tries to fit his head into the space first or uses both his nose and paws, give him two points, and one point if he gives up entirely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Test 5: Beyond the Barrier<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This one will require a bit of creativity on your behalf but nevertheless, it is a good test to give your dog. Show your dog a treat through a slit in a large cardboard barricade that is too high to be jumped by the dog, and the slit itself is too narrow for the dog to fit through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You, as the handler will have to keep encouraging the dog to get the treat for exactly 60 seconds and then stop. Use your stopwatch to keep track of the dog\u2019s time and score accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Scoring:<\/strong> Give your dog three points if he takes 30 seconds (or less) to figure out he needs to walk around the barrier to get the treat. If he takes longer than 30 seconds to figure it out, give him two points, and one point if he tries to climb through the window or bulldoze his way through the barrier instead of going around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"dog](\"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/psscent-1024x767.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nResults<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- 13\u201315 points<\/strong>: PAWsome! Your dog is a genius.<\/li>
- 9\u201312 points<\/strong>: Your dog\u2019s not quite Einstein but he\u2019s still a smart cookie.<\/li>
- 5\u20138 points<\/strong>: Your dog won\u2019t make it to Harvard but he has paw-tential.<\/li>
- 1\u20134 points<\/strong>: Your dog might need some help figuring things out and getting things done. Fur-tunately, it doesn\u2019t take brains to give cuddles and kisses\u2014which is all that matters, right?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
How can I improve my dog\u2019s score?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
- Try finding the most desirable treat for your pup. If they are not excited about the reward, they won\u2019t work as hard. This can be real pieces of meat, cheese, or any other yummy indulgences.<\/li>
- Try Puzzle Games<\/a>! Interactive dog toys challenge your dog\u2019s problem-solving skills and enhance their cognitive abilities through play.<\/li>
- Give them time! Hard work does not pay off overnight, so be patient with your pup and keep on practicing!<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\nRelated reading: Keep ‘Em Sharp With Brain Games for Dogs<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nScore-improving puzzle games<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t![\"Product](\"https:\/\/cdn11.bigcommerce.com\/s-asivtkjxr8\/products\/2145\/images\/7193\/ayzkcycxwut7nk40latg__27217.1630122597.386.513.jpg?c=1\")
<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\tDog Smart Composite Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy, Tan<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t
$16.99<\/strike> $11.99<\/h4>\n\t\t\tThe Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Dog Smart Composite interactive dog puzzle is a fun way to get your dog excited about problem solving games! This mind-stimulating level 1 dog toy features nine treat hiding compartments that can be filled with your pup\u2019s favorite treats and covered with nine pegs that release the tasty scent of treats through the top hole. Place on the ground and watch your dog use his…<\/p>\n\t\t\t
View Details<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t![\"Product](\"https:\/\/cdn11.bigcommerce.com\/s-asivtkjxr8\/products\/2152\/images\/7252\/ifhaev2wpyf7v8v11o82__22907.1630122660.386.513.jpg?c=1\")
<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\tDog Tornado Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy, Blue<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t
$19.99<\/strike> $18.99<\/h4>\n\t\t\tThe Dog Tornado level 2 interactive dog puzzle from Nina Ottosson is the ideal toy for bored dogs and will keep them occupied for hours! This intermediate level toy features three tiers with twelve compartments for dog snacks or kibble. This mentally stimulating and entertaining dog game encourages your pup to spin the interactive puzzle tiers to reveal the rewards \u2013 three bone shaped covers can be used…<\/p>\n\t\t\t
View Details<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t![\"Product](\"https:\/\/cdn11.bigcommerce.com\/s-asivtkjxr8\/products\/2154\/images\/7267\/rhbwu8iubvll72ex1yqb__12753.1630122670.386.513.jpg?c=1\")
<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\tDog Hide N’ Slide Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy, Tan<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t
$24.99<\/strike> $19.99<\/h4>\n\t\t\tThe Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Interactive Dog Hide N’ Slide puzzle game is a fun way to engage your dog’s mind and activate their problem solving-skills. This level 2 intermediate puzzle dog toy comes with two types of hiding spots for snacks or kibble for a total of 14 treat compartments: under the swivelling flippers and in the hollow sliding blocks. You can vary the difficulty level by placing…<\/p>\n\t\t\t
View Details<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t![\"Product](\"https:\/\/cdn11.bigcommerce.com\/s-asivtkjxr8\/products\/2158\/images\/7298\/noj6t8i97boiakvww4wd__06555.1630122704.386.513.jpg?c=1\")
<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t - Give them time! Hard work does not pay off overnight, so be patient with your pup and keep on practicing!<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- 9\u201312 points<\/strong>: Your dog\u2019s not quite Einstein but he\u2019s still a smart cookie.<\/li>
- 13\u201315 points<\/strong>: PAWsome! Your dog is a genius.<\/li>