How to Test a Dog's Intelligence 2016

In animal intelligence research, even defining the subject of study can be difficult. Many basic questions remain unanswered, and people argue endlessly over what the results of tests mean.^[1] So remember, if your dog scores low, you can still say he's the smartest dog in the world.

 

1

Find a stopwatch. You'll need a clock that measures seconds for these tests. They're intended to measure problem-solving and adaptation to the environment.

2

Toss a towel over the dog's head. Let the dog smell a large towel or a small blanket. Toss it over the the dog's head, covering it completely. Start the stopwatch and see how long it takes your dog to get free. Write down the score:

• 30 seconds or less: 3 points
• 31–120 seconds: 2 points
• Tries but doesn't succeed within 120 seconds: 1 point — and take off the towel for him!
• Doesn't try to get free: 0 points.
• You might want to practice tossing the towel over a chair beforehand. It should land in one, smooth motion.^[2]

3

Hide a treat under the towel. Show the dog a treat. While the dog is watching, put the treat on the floor. Lay the towel over it. Start the stopwatch and see how long the dog takes to reach the treat:

• 30 seconds or less: 3 points
• 31–60 seconds: 2 points
• Tries but fails within 60 seconds: 1 point
• Doesn't try: 0 points

4

Set up a low opening. For this test, you need a gap low to the ground, that the dog can reach with its paws but not its muzzle. A couch might work, or you might need to make one yourself out of a pair of books and a wide plank. Weigh down the top of the plank so the dog can't easily knock it over.^[2]

5

Test the dog with the puzzle. Place a treat underneath the plank or couch, while the dog is watching. Push it far enough underneath that the dog can't reach it with its muzzle. Encourage the dog to get the treat while you time it:

• Succeeds within 2 minutes (using its paws): 4 points
• Succeeds within 3 minutes (using its paws): 3 points
• Fails within 3 minutes, but uses its paws: 2 points
• Fails, only uses its muzzle: 1 point
• Doesn't try: 0 points

6

Teach your dog to find a hidden treat. The next test is designed to challenge the dog's memory, not its problem-solving skills. To do this, the dog needs to understand what's going on. Put a treat underneath a plastic cup, then tell the dog to find it. Lift the cup to show the dog where it is. Do this about eight or ten times, until the dog learns that treats go underneath cups.^[3]

7

Test the dog's memory. Place three plastic buckets or cups upside down on the floor, a foot apart. Put a treat underneath one of the cups, while the dog is watching. Lead the dog out of the room for 30 seconds, then back. Urge the dog to find the treat.

• Checks under the right cup on the first try: 2 points
• Finds it within two minutes: 1 point
• Doesn't find it: 0 points 
• 
  

8

Score the dog's results. Add up all your dog's points and see how it did:

• 11–12 points: Canine Genius
• 8–10 points: Obedience School Honor Student
• 4–7 points: Just an Average Rex
• 1–3 points: I'm a Barker, Not a Thinker
• 0 points: You might have just tested a mop.