Are Dogs Intelligent?

Are Dogs Intelligent?

This is a question which scientists have argued over for centuries. We know that dogs are incapable of logical thought as we know it. They cannot reason as we can, but in terms of a "domestic wolf" they are indeed intelligent, relying on association, scent, instinct and memory. They also display characteristics of guarding , loyalty and playfulness which are typical of the wolf pack and, I would add, a keen sense of humour.

It is known that pups, untouched by human hands during the first weeks of life, never become wholly domisticated. Similarly, the dog that is kennelled, fed, groomed and exercised, but otherwise given little attention, is unlikely to reach the same potential as its contemporary which is kept as a household pet, spoken to regularly, played with and introduced to any number of outside influences and experiences.

TEACHING YOUR DOG

Dog training must be interpreted by the dog as an extension of play. Learning, however, is largely a matter of association. Some dogs, like some humans, are more intelligent than others, but there are few, given time, which, having recognized the key words, will not react to sentences such as : "Shall we (Let's) go for a WALK, Ben", "Goodnes, it's time for BED, Ben!", "Do you want your DINNER?", "Here is MUM (or Dad) !" and "Let's go and meet JANE". The list is endless and the dog's reaction could reasonably be thought to mean that it understands the meaning of the word spoken. It cannot do so, but associates the key word, whether or not used in conjunction with its name, with the action that takes place thereafter.

ACTIONS RATHER THAN WORDS

It is not just the spoken word that brings about this association in the canine mind. Actions can speak as loudly as words. The mere fact of a dog's owner walking into the hall, or kitchen, with a coat on maybe enough for the dog to jump up from its basket in anticipation of a walk , while the sound of a car engine in the drive maybe sufficient to send it running hurriedly to the door in anticipation of its master's arrival. Undoubtedly the more time one spends with one's dog the more it learns, and the more it learns, the more it endears itself to us. Most pet owners have only one dog. They do not have the same opportunity, as those who keep several, of studying the behaviour of the social pack.

SUBSTITUTE PACK LEADERS

It has been explained how humans became substitute pack leaders, whom our domesticated wolf knows he must respect. Where, however, there are a number of dogs, the biggest, strongest male will generally emerge as the canine pack leader. He will marshall his troops, standing aside, for instance, until all have been accounted for when going out of doors. He will guard the food bowls, sometimes literally forbidding another dog to eat until he allows it to do so - even, on some occasion, giving an unliked subordinate what amounts to the evil eye until the unfortunate animal creeps away into a corner. Much however depends on the breed and temperament of the dog.

Often there is a second in command, even a third in pecking order, while some dogs do not aspire to leadership at all. Disagreement are rare except where three important factors raise their head:sex,food and jealousy.