TEST 1
The goal of this test:
To measure how observant your dog is. Does he notice other dogs on television? Does he think they're real?
You'll need:
l a TV, a VCR, and a videotape that includes dogs
Do the test:
1. Unless you get lucky and find that "Lassie" is on TV precisely when you're ready to do this test, you'll need a videotape that includes doggy scenes. You'll find plenty in the children's section of your local video rental store. Try to choose one with multiple, medium-sized dogs. A single small dog on the screen is harder to see. "The Incredible Journey" is a good choice.
2. Your dog should be sitting or lying beside you when you watch the videotape. Wait to see if he notices the TV dogs without your needing to point them out. He may first become aware of them when they make sounds.
3. If he still seems oblivious to the dogs after 5 or 10 minutes, direct his attention to the TV. Re-run a key scene with canine action and barking. Point to the screen or turn his head toward it. But DON'T say, "See the doggies?" or he'll jump off the sofa and run barking toward the door -- and the test will be spoiled.
SCORING
If he sees the TV dogs and goes to the TV, nosing the screen or peeking behind it to see they're hiding back there...
Score 3
If he sees the TV dogs and stares at them (perhaps even barking at the screen)...
Score 2
If he becomes alert when the TV dog makes a sound, but doesn't seem to tie it in with the TV images and ends up either barking randomly or looking toward the door or running toward the door...
Score 1
If despite your best efforts he doesn't notice or respond to the dogs on TV...
Score 0
TEST 2
The goal of this test:
To measure how observant your dog is. Does he notice and respond to a beam of light moving around on the floor?
You'll need:
l a flashlight
l a darkened room
Do the test:
1. In a darkened room, play a flashlight beam around on the floor. Make the beam act like prey -- move it slowly around the floor, then freeze it, then suddenly move it an inch or two, freeze it, a sudden jerk to the right, freeze, a zigzag to the left, etc
SCORING
If your dog comes over to check out the FLASHLIGHT...
Score 4. He suspects it's the SOURCE of the beam of light. Advanced thinking!
If, each time the beam of light leaves one spot and moves to the next, your dog checks the FLOOR where the beam just WAS...
Score 3. He wonders if it's real. Advanced thinking.
If he chases the beam around the floor...
Score 2
If he notices the beam and watches it move around on the floor, showing some interest but not chasing it...
Score 1
If he pays little or no attention...
Score 0
TEST 3
The goal of this test:
To measure your dog's memory and his initiative. Does he remember that a treat exists, even when he can no longer see it? Does he actively try to search for the hidden treat?
You'll need:
l one treat
Do the test:
1. Have a helper hold your dog. Crouch or kneel a couple of feet away from him. Show him the treat. Tuck it into your closed fist and let him sniff it for a good 5 seconds so he gets excited about it.
2. Slowly and deliberately put your fist behind your back. Rest your empty hand on your thigh,
palm down.
3. Have your helper release your dog and start the timer. Encourage your dog to find the treat.
SCORING
If he runs immediately behind your back and nuzzles your closed hand...
Score 5
If he checks out your front first, nuzzling your empty hand or sniffing your leg, then makes his way behind your back and nuzzles your closed hand within 30 seconds...
Score 4
If he makes it behind your back but doesn't realize the treat is in your hand and just keeps sniffing around your body for 30 seconds...
Score 3
If he stays pretty much in front of you, barking or whining at you...
Score 2. He knows you have it and is telling you that he wants
it, but he won't go look for it.
If he stays pretty much in front of you, looking expectantly at you and waiting patiently...
Score 1. He knows you have it, but doesn't have enough initiative to either ask for it or look for it himself.
If he just wants to cuddle or play with you, or if starts looking around for something else to do...
Score 0. Out of sight, out of mind.