Intelligence is an elusive quality. Measuring problem
solving skills helps us assess the intelligence quotient or IQ of an individual.
Animals, including humans, learn to solve problems through interaction with their environments.
Through trial and error
or observation, an intelligent individual learns to predict outcomes of his
actions accurately. Persistent individuals make several attempts before giving up, creating
more opportunities to learn. For this reason,
intelligence and persistence are complimentary traits in evaluating an IQ. IQ is
just an estimate of an animal's ability to successfully solve the problems that
life presents compared to other animals in similar situations.
Someday, perhaps we will devise 50 specific test
problems for dogs, score 5 million dogs of various ages and breeds, and come up with an
IQ test for dogs. Until then, you can test your dog's IQ with home made
problems.
Test problems should be scored pass or fail. Any solution to
a problem, other than giving up, is a correct solution. For example, failure to
retrieve food by a dog that is not hungry is not an indication of lack of intelligence. The problems
you develop for your test must provide interest for your particular dog. Your creativity and knowledge of your dog
will help you design appropriate problems.
Unique solutions are acceptable. For example, if you encourage your dog to reach you through a
barrier but he goes around through another room instead, the goal of reaching you has been achieved and he has
solved the problem.
Also, note the number of times the dog approaches the problem before he succeeds in reaching the goal or
loses interest. Remember, persistence is part of IQ.
The greater the ratio of problems passed to failed, the greater the dog's intelligence quotient. The greater number of attempts at each new problem, the greater your dog's persistence. The greater the dog's intelligence/persistence the more quickly he can learn to solve the problems
of life including understanding new commands. Don't forget to consider
your dog's breeding as part of the testing selection. Dogs that are bred to herd
are more likely to follow moving objects than to pick them up. Dogs bred to
retrieve readily pick up objects but are most likely to bring them to you rather
than manipulate them on their own. With encouragement, dogs can learn new
behaviors.
A sample test problem might be to allow your dog to see you wrap a treat in a paper cup. Give him the cup and see if he can successfully get the treat. It doesn't matter whether your dog tears the cup or folds it open.
Other test problems might be wrapping a toy in a towel or having your dog wear a leash in the
house to see if he will learn to avoid tangling hazards. All problems should be presented under your direct supervision. If a dog is frightened or injured during a learning experience he might become reluctant to approach new situations in the future.
Before you worry what to tell the grandkids about your
dog's IQ remember, a dog with a high very IQ will learn how to open the refrigerator when no one else is
home so there is something to be said in favor of living with a dog of average intelligence.
