So what are the traits of a truly smart dog?
So what are the traits of a truly smart dog?
Curiosity. Smart dogs like to explore. To peek into containers to see what's inside. To climb
over barriers to see what's over there. Smart dogs like to make things happen, to find out
what things "do" when bumped or pushed or played with. They like to find out what things taste like. They feel compelled to track down the source of noises. Smart dogs have an inquisitive mind.
Keen observation skills. Smart dogs watch you. They observe your facial expressions, read your body language, and interpret your moods. Smart dogs learn from observation. If they see you or another dog do something that earns a reward, they may try it themselves to see if they
get the same reward. They listen to conversations and pick familiar words out of complex sentences.
Fast learning. Smart dogs quickly understand new words and new behaviors. You show them something a few times and they "get it."
Solid memory. Smart dogs remember. Once they've learned something, you don't need to go over it again and again.
Flexibility. Smart dogs don't get stuck trying the same thing over and over if it isn't working. Smart dogs are creative. They play "trial and error," coming up with new ideas and new techniques until something works.
Now, what are the traits of a not-so-smart dog?
Contentment with the tried-and-true. Not-so-smart dogs lack curiosity. When presented with a new object or a new place, they're not much interested in exploring it. Not-so-smart dogs are generally satisfied with the status quo.
Limited observation skills. Not-so-smart dogs are mostly oblivious to your facial expressions and body language. They don't notice when you smile at them, or when you stick out your tongue and make a funny face. Not-so-smart dogs don't learn from observation. Even if they watch another dog doing something for a reward, they won't repeat it themselves unless you specifically show them how. They don't pay close attention to conversations, so it's easy to disguise familiar words by hiding them in sentences.
Slow learning. Not-so-smart dogs need many repetitions (often 25 or more) before they understand "sit" or "stay."
Short memory. Not-so-smart dogs may forget what they've learned unless you practice it frequently.
Fixed habits. Not-so-smart dogs are neither flexible nor creative. They often get stuck trying the same thing over and over, even if it gets them nowhere. They don't play "trial and error." They don't come up with new techniques for solving a problem.
