Have you ever wondered how smart your dog really is? Now you can put your pet to the test and know for certain.
Dog trainer Amey Markham, from The Good Dog Journey in South East London, has heaps of experience training and working with canines.
She has put together a three-step dog IQ test for owners to try at home - and all you need is a towel, dog treats and four plastic cups.
Amey told The Mirror : "Mental stimulation is a great way to tire out your dog, but it is also a great way to improve their smarts.
"Setting up games for them to put their problem-solving skills to the test can help you measure their intelligence."
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Game 1: Magic cups
Take four cups placed upside down in a row. Let your dog watch you line them up (ideally with them in a sit) and place a treat that they love underneath one of them.
Move the cups around slowly then, when you are ready, let them choose the cup they think the treat is under.
If they indicate on the one with the treat inside show them and let them take the treat. If they get it wrong, show them that nothing is under that cup and set it up again.
Game 2: Towel trick
You need a medium sized towel for this one. Place it over your dogs head and see how quickly they can manage to find their way out.
Remember to only try this one if you think your dog will enjoy the activity and not be uncomfortable.
Game 3: Hidden treat
Take one treat and place it in your hand, show the dog the treat being placed in your hand and close your fist. Then present both of your closed hands to your dog and see if they choose the one with the treat in.
If they choose the other, show that it is empty and then try again.
You can do this a few times, changing the hand the treat is in to check your dog understands.
"You can try timing each game to see how fast they are able to solve the games and just how clever your dog is. Use the hashtag #GDJhowsmartismydog to show your results and see others too," Amey said.
Amey is an accredited and qualified dog trainer who uses ethical, science-based, reinforcement training.
Do you have a dog story to tell? Contact nia.dalton@reachplc.com.
