Let’s face it, all pet parents are biased! We all think our dogs are the smartest in the world, well maybe not the entire world you get the point! Did you know that there really are known techniques to test your dog’s IQ? Give them a try and prove, once and for all, that they really are the smartest dog in the world. To our pets, these are just fun games to play with their pet parents.
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Fun Games to Test Your Dog’s IQ
The following are the common intelligence tests for testing your dog’s IQ. There’s even a scoring system that can be followed to determine your dog’s intelligence–but really, who keeps score? Just in case you want to, follow this chart: 30 seconds or less–give 3 points; 31-60 seconds–give 2 points; tried but fails within the 60 seconds–give 1 point: and if they don’t try–0 points. Remember, these scoring charts are all different depending on where you do your research.
Towel Toss
Toss a simple towel over your pup’s head, and with a stopwatch time how long it takes them to escape from underneath it. Use common sense, though. If you see your dog is struggling with this game, take the towel off for him!
Hide Treat Under Towel
Make sure they see the treat first, then hide it under the towel, and time them on how long it takes for them to retrieve it. You can also make this more complicated for super smarty pants dogs by hiding the treat under a cup! Line up three, put the treat under one and see if your dog can find it.
Underneath Hidden Treat
What I mean is that you’ll need a low standing item, couch, bed, or something homemade that they can’t get their bodies under only their paws. Set the treat there and urge them to try getting it. The scoring on this one is different: within 2 mins using their paws-4 pts; within 3 min using their paws-3pts; fails within 3 mins but still used paws-2 pts; fails only using their muzzle-1pt; doesn’t even bother-0pts.
Barrier Test
This one will test your skills as well in building something. Use a piece of cardboard that is bigger and taller than your pet. Secure it somehow so that it is standing and your pet can go around it on either side. In the middle, cut a hole about 3-4 inches wide and rectangular that is long but not wide enough for your pet to actually go through it. Size will vary with pet size. Then toss a toy or treat on the opposite side of the barrier from where your pet is. If they go around within 30 seconds-3 pts; between 30 seconds to 60 seconds-2 pts; tries to go through the hole or gets stuck in it-1 pt. Just for being so darn cute!
Hide-N-Find Me
I thought that title was pretty creative, eh? Anyway, this one involves you leaving the room, out of your pet’s sight, and calling out random words. Sounds like fun doesn’t it? With your dog watching you, leave the room that he or she is in, be sure they can’t see you. Wait a minute or two to make sure they aren’t going to follow you like some pets do, then start the test. At random, say out loud random words, including their name. For example, microwave, floor, window, ‘Buddy’, broom, then see if he responds the first time or if it takes you multiple times. If they come to their name the first time-5 pts; 2nd time-4 pts; if they come to any other word you say besides their name, give ‘em a pat on the head and call it a day then go snuggle on the couch knowing that they are still the smartest dog in the world to you.
Honestly, at the end of the day, WE know our dogs are the smartest without a test! These are just meant for fun! Keep in mind that the results of these games depend on a ton of factors. A totally untrained puppy isn’t going to understand the rules of the game as well as an older dog who’s used to your zany human antics. Your dog also has to be in the mood to play! Testing his IQ on a blazing hot day when he just wants to chill under the ceiling fan is not going to net good results.
Have you tried any other games to test your dog’s IQ? Tell us below!