The Intelligence of Dogs

"The Intelligence of Dogs" is the most practical book on dog behavior I have ever read. It contains two separate tests, both developed by the Seeing Eye people to prequalify their dogs. The tests are extensive, and quantify: problem solving ability, memory, biddability, aggressiveness/passivity, steadiness, and other important personality traits of a puppy or dog. I used this test to prequalify a stray border collie puppy before adopting her. After 3 years, I would rate the test results "highly accurate." In addition, Coren describes the psychology and behavior of dogs in the wild, and how this can be used to better communicate with and train your dog. Works like a charm.Never mind the controversial list of general intelligence of different breeds. The practical utility of the book is in testing and communicating with *your* dog...or a dog you are considering for adoption or purchase.

El autor nos enseña a entender a los perros y nos muestra lo inteligentes que son y pueden llegar a ser . Es un libro que ayuda tanto a adiestradores como a los dueños a conocer a nuestros amigos y hacer que nuestra relacion sea aun mejor.

I first read this book when I was 15, and have reread it twice since then. Coren writes in a way that is very one-on-one and covers vast amounts of information, ranging from amusing dog quotes to myths of dogs to the ever-famous chart of dog intelligence. Throughout the book there is information to be gained and new ways of thinking to be considered. The focal point of this book is not the ranking of breed intelligence but rather the intelligence of dogs in general, hence the title. Areas focusing on ways to improve your dog's fluid and crystal intelligence open up an understanding of the dog's mind that is interesting for any dog owner. Stanley Coren is a psychologist as well as a dog trainer, and these two aspects of his life merged equally when he wrote this.

Many of the criticizms of this book are unfair. The author quite clearly explains how the now famous or infamous (depending upon how you feel about it) was compiled. He also conveys that the list does not necessarily tell you that one breed of dog is "smarter" than another and many of the differences are explained. These critics are more likely reacting in a defensive way and did not thoroughly read the book or many of their suspicions would have been allayed. These were obedience judges and trainers who responded with their experience and insight to inquiries made by the author and a list was tabulated. If you want an intelligent and trainable dog, consider using the list as one of many criteria in your decision. One can make of the list what they will. The rest of the information in the book is of far greater value. Yes, there are some points that could have been covered in more detail, but then the author could have written a volume of encyclopedias on the subject of dogs and still not covered everything there is to know. I.e., there is a puppy personality test used to test the temperment and possible obedience potential of a puppy. One of the tests involved pinching a pup's ear between thumb and forefinger with increasing pressure to see how the animal reacts to pain. While shopping for Doberman puppies I performed this test several times and I could not get a single one to do much more than casually turn it's head. Does this mean that the dog does not feel pain and is therefore untrainable? Of course not. Maybe this particular breed has less sensitive ears, maybe it does not. I have no idea why this happened. The point is to be mindful that not everything falls into convenient catagories and there is no black and white; just shades of gray. One caveat must be born in mind if you are considering this book, if you are merely seeking assurance and\or validation as to how bright your dog or breed of dog is with just a cursory glance at the book, you may be setting yourself up for disappointment. If you are prepared to read, learn and remain objective, you will do yourself and your canine counterpart a wonderful service.

The list provided that ranks dogs by intelligence is based on the ease of training, (the number of repetitions required of an action before the dog learned it) not overall intelligence. Dogs of all breeds can be very smart and within any breed there are ranges of intelligences. I used to have a Peke that would run rings around any Sheltie in the obedience ring. Some dogs only need to be shown something a few times to learn it. Those dogs are usually your Herding, Working and Sporting breeds. They were bred to work WITH man and to OBEY his commands. Some breeds, like the Terriers and the northern breeds, were bred to think for themselves. Does this mean they are not intelligent? Hardly. THis is a great book for anyone who has dogs and wants to understand them better.