TEST 1
The goal of this test:
To measure your dog's attentiveness and curiosity. Will he investigate a strange sound?
You'll need:
l a sleeping dog
l a pencil
Do the test:
1. Watch for a time when your dog is sleeping, comfortable and relaxed, at least ten feet away from you.
2. Without looking at your dog -- just watch him from the corner of your eye -- begin making a repetitive sound, such as tapping a pencil slowly and rhythmically on your desk. Keep it up for a full 30 seconds.
SCORING
If your dog comes over to check out the sound...
Score 4
If he raises his head and listens intently the whole time, but doesn't come to check it out...
Score 3
If he raises his head and listens intently for a few seconds, then puts his head back down and pretty much ignores it...
Score 2
If he indicates that he hears the sound by opening his eyes or flicking his ear or shifting his body, but shows no real interest...
Score 1
If he doesn't react at all...
Score 0 -- and make sure he's still breathing!
TEST 2
The goal of this test:
To measure your dog's response to human social signals. Does he recognize your facial expression and body language when you act as though you hear something suspicious? Does he join in?
You'll need:
l a relaxed, lying-down dog
l your acting skills again!
Do the test:
1. Watch for a time when your dog is sitting or lying down.
2. When your dog happens to look at you, suddenly stop what you're doing and pretend you hear a suspicious noise. Look sharply toward the door or window. Move quickly to peer out. Tilt your head the way you do when you've heard something and are waiting to see if it repeats itself. Move your head and your eyes in tiny little movements in different directions, the way you do when you're trying to zero in on the source of a strange sound.
3. While you're listening to your imaginary noise, don't look at your dog -- just watch him from the corner of your eye.
SCORING
If your dog quickly begins to bark and/or runs to the door or window...
Score 3. He is certainly attentive!
If he raises his head and listens intently, as though trying to hear whatever you're hearing -- but he holds his position...
Score 2
If he gives you a quizzical look, but doesn't really listen intently or otherwise mimic your suspicion...
Score 1
If he doesn't react at all...
Score 0
TEST 3
The goal of this test:
To measure your dog's problem-solving skills. What does he do when he's thirsty and his water bowl is empty?
You'll need:
l your dog's water dish (empty)
Do the test:
1. Empty your dog's water bowl. Take him for a good long walk, or play vigorously with him. You want him thirsty!
2. Now keep your eye on him to see when he goes to his water dish. What does he do when he finds it empty?
SCORING
If he comes to you and barks, paws at you, leads you to the bowl, or BRINGS you the bowl...
Score 4. He knows YOU are the source of water.
If he goes looking for another source of water, such as the bird bath or a puddle in the yard...
Score 3. He is self-sufficient.
If he paws at the bowl, flips it, pushes it around with his nose, or barks at it...
Score 2. He is actively trying to make water appear.
If he waits silently near his bowl, hoping for water to appear...
Score 1
If he does nothing and just goes away...
Score 0