How to Improve Your Dog’s Intelligence
📝 Summary
A dog's intelligence varies by breed - some learn a command in a few tries, others are slower and need more effort. Follow the right principles to boost intelligence.
1 Overview
I. Training principles to boost intelligence
1. Indoors is best
Location matters before training. Indoors is best – a place where the dog feels safe and focused, unlike outdoors with distractions, giving twice the result.
2. Commands must be consistent
At the start, give a single command or gesture – do not give both at once, or the dog will not know which to follow. Train same time, same place daily; routine improves learning.
3. Socialize the dog more
Indoors is the start, but repeating the same thing stalls progress. Take the dog out to see well-trained dogs and learn by imitation, more efficiently.
4. Build the dog’s stamina
A strong body and good stamina are the base for intelligence; proper exercise keeps energy and mind sharp. But remember to encourage and reward during training.
II. Basic understanding of dog intelligence
1. Dogs are born different
Like people, every dog is different from birth; even same breed varies in personality and learning ability. Some learn much fast, some slow.
2. Mood affects intelligence
A dog’s intelligence can be affected by mood. There is a case: a Border Collie, known as the smartest, whose owner was in a bad mood, making the dog low too, showing poor mental state and even attacking other dogs.
3. Owners care about intelligence
Modern owners care about their dog’s IQ – not to prove superiority. Even a low result is seen as part of the dog’s own style.
III. How to tell if a dog is smart
1. Observe learning ability
Test one: at a time you do not usually walk the dog, with the dog around you, pick up the usual outing items. The faster it reacts, the higher the score.
2. Problem-solving
Test two: let the dog sniff a treat, then dramatically place it on the floor and cover with an empty can. The faster it kicks the can away to get the food, the higher the score.
3. Observation test
Test three: during outdoor time, change the furniture at home – add some. The faster the dog sniffs the new items on return, the higher the score.
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