Intelligence Test for Dogs: Simple Ways to See How Smart Your Dog Is

Published: 04 Apr 2025

Have you ever looked at your dog and thought, “Wow, you’re so smart!”?
Or maybe, “Hmm… you might need a little help figuring that out.”

Just like people, dogs have different types of intelligence. Some are good problem solvers. Others are great at reading emotions. And some just love to learn new things fast.

In this post, we’ll walk you through a full intelligence test for dogs at home.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

You don’t need anything fancy. Here’s a quick list of items you’ll use for the tests:

  • A small towel or light blanket
  • 3 plastic cups or bowls
  • A few of your dog’s favorite treats
  • A toy your dog likes
  • A stopwatch or phone timer
  • A clear plastic lid or see-through container
  • A chair or sofa with space underneath
  • And I almost forgot….. A Dog. 🙂

That’s it! Your dog already has everything else you may need—curiosity, playfulness, and that wagging tail.

Here are simple, fun tests to check your dog’s brainpower. You can do them at home anytime.

Towel Test – Problem Solving

What to do:
Gently place a towel over your dog’s head. Start the timer.

What it checks:
Can your dog figure out how to remove the towel?

intelligence test of dog

What it shows:

  • Under 15 seconds = strong problem solver
  • 15–30 seconds = average
  • Over 30 seconds = may need more time or help

Try this to Improve :

  • Hide a treat inside a loosely rolled towel, and let your dog figure out how to get it.
  • Use puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing toys during mealtime.
  • Play gentle tug games to build confidence and focus.

Hidden Treat Test – Memory & Smell

What to do:
Let your dog see you hide a treat under one of three cups. Mix them up and ask your dog to find the treat.

spoodle intelligence test

What it shows:

  • Finds treat on first try = strong memory and scent ability
  • Needs 2–3 tries = decent memory
  • Doesn’t find it = may need more training

Try this to improve Memory and Smell

Try this:

  • Start by hiding treats in just one cup and let your dog build success.
  • Gradually increase the number of cups and mix them slowly.
  • Play “find it” games around the house using treats or favorite toys.

Object Under Furniture – Persistence

What to do:
Place a toy or treat just out of reach under a low sofa or chair. Watch how your dog reacts.

What it shows:

  • Tries to get it using paws or nose = determined thinker
  • Gives up quickly = needs encouragement
  • Looks at you for help = emotionally smart

Try this:

  • Place toys just slightly out of reach and cheer your dog on as they try.
  • Reward even small efforts to keep motivation high.
  • Use toys that need effort to open (like stuffed Kongs).

Barrier Test – Problem Solving

What to do:
Put a treat behind a clear barrier, like a plastic lid. Your dog can see it but has to figure out how to walk around it.

What it shows:

  • Walks around quickly = smart and confident
  • Tries to go through = still learning how to solve problems

Try this:

  • Use simple mazes made with boxes or pillows.
  • Let them watch you walk around the barrier before trying it themselves.
  • Praise every attempt, not just success.

New Trick Test – Learning Speed

What to do:
Teach your dog a new trick like “shake” or “spin.” Count how many tries it takes.

What it shows:

  • Learns in 5 tries = fast learner
  • Learns in 6–10 = good focus
  • Needs more time = try shorter sessions and stay patient

Try this:

  • Break tricks into tiny steps and reward each part.
  • Keep sessions short (5–10 mins), and end on a happy note.
  • Practice daily with clear, gentle commands.

Body Language Test – Emotional Intelligence

What to do:
Pretend to yawn or act upset (like fake crying). Watch your dog’s reaction.

What it shows:

  • Comes over to comfort you or looks worried = strong emotional bond
  • Ignores or walks away = may not understand your feelings yet

Try this:

  • Sit quietly with your dog and gently talk or yawn. Reward any engagement.
  • Use soft petting and eye contact during calm moments.
  • Bond through slow walks and quiet time together.

Delayed Obedience Test – Focus & Memory

What to do:
Tell your dog to “sit” or “stay,” then walk away and wait 10–15 seconds. Then call them.

What it shows:

  • Follows command after a delay = great memory and attention
  • Needs a reminder = learning in progress
  • Ignores = may need clearer training

Try this:

  • Practice “sit and stay” with short time gaps and slowly increase them.
  • Use treats to keep your dog motivated.
  • Celebrate small wins every time they remember what to do.

Sound Recognition Test – Awareness

What to do:
Make a sound (like jingling keys, opening a treat jar, or using a clicker) from another room.

What it shows:

  • Comes running = strong awareness and hearing connection
  • Waits to see more = careful thinker
  • Doesn’t react = may be distracted or uninterested

Try this:

  • Make a sound like a squeaky toy, then toss it — repeat regularly.
  • Use sound-based games like clicker training.
  • Reward curiosity and movement toward new sounds.

Tail End Thoughts

These tests aren’t about scoring your dog or labeling them “smart” or “not smart.”
They help you understand how your dog thinks, learns, and reacts.

Some dogs are thinkers. Others are feelers. Some learn by watching. Others learn by doing. And that’s okay!

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