The Intelligence of Dogs

All animals have their own level of intelligence which they display in their daily activities. Dogs are capable of counting they are capable of understanding over more than 100 words and purposely mislead other dogs and humans in order to get things done their way. Miklosi (2004) has researched and studied numerous literatures and came to a conclusion that dogs have the capability to solve multiple problems at a time and thus their habits resemble humans more than seen earlier. The psychologist exposed that dogs mental aptitude may be equal to a child of 2 year-old.

Miklosi (2004) also mentioned in his researches that there are many breeds of dogs available with different types of intelligence. However there are specific three types of dog intelligence instinctive (what the dog is bred to do) adaptive (how well the dog learns from its environment to solve problems) and working and obedience (the equivalent of school learning) (Miklosi, 2004).

According to Hare (1998), the differentiation of the dogs breed plays a main contribution towards their intelligence level.
1. Border collies
2. Poodles
3. German shepherds.
4. Golden Retrievers
5. Dobermans
6. Shetland Sheepdogs
7. Labrador retrievers

It is amazing for one to see that canine is not listed above. Hare (1998) conducted a couple of studies to find out how canines would solve a difficult. His results discovered, that through surveillance, dogs can be taught the location of items which are valued by them such as food and also observed that they know how to unlock door latches.  Canine is therefore considered to be beyond imagination.

Intelligence Testing
The milestones in the evolution of intelligence are the emergence from instinctive reactions and the appearance of conceptual thought. (Viaud, 1960)

Dogs are loved and known for their intelligence. This mental intelligence is articulated accordingly in different breeds. Border Collies are well-known for their aptitude and willingness to follow their master commands, while most of the other breeds may not show so much willingness to obey their owner. However they would rather use their intelligence and agility in planning ways to steal their food or run away in and out of the backyard. Being extremely flexible animals, dogs themselves learn to do various tasks as taught by humans who own them over long periods of time. Dogs can perform different roles all over the world search, drug sniffing, tracking, guarding, sled-pulling, blinds companion, hunting, being some of these roles.

Border Collie vs. German shepherd
Every characteristic of a Collie shows one function or the other required to perform its job, mostly farming assistance as it is best known for its capabilities to on the farm.  The Collie in size is big enough for displaying authority and is very quick to run from one end of the farm to another in no time. The Collie is covered in thick coats of skin and thus remains unharmed from external elements and inevitable environmental pollutants. Collies are holders of both extraordinary intelligence and are extremely responsive which can help the master enjoy training them. However since they are capable of performing independently, they can be disadvantageous as well and can lead to trouble. Multiple repetitions are not liked by Border Collies and since they quick learners they prefer being left on their own as soon as they have mastered the trait. Excessive repetition bores him, but since he learns quickly, there is little reason to keep drilling him anyway. Collies survival is based on a new challenge often therefore their training and intelligence sessions should be very interesting and short (Leong, 2007).

Intelligence in dogs is close to being as sharp as a sword with dual edges. Border Collies are capable of learning multiple tricks at a time and they can intensify their vocabulary and responsiveness to communication phonology (new sound combinations), morphology (new words), syntax (new sentences) (Vajda, 2006). But this intelligence can also lead to negative learning. Having a smart dog means waging a constant logical conflict with your dog, trying to outwit them as they build out each step of progression before the step you take. Trying to imprison a Border Collie can be a tough job. As soon as you get a gate to obstruct them they will already be ready to learn how to jump over it, push it, or open the doorknobs.

Unlike these farm dogs, German Shepherds on the other hand are known as working dogs. They are blunt, do not fear and are eager to learn amidst their alertness. They are known for their brevity, courage, cheerfulness, obedience and eagerness. Apart from these traits they are known for their wonderful faithfulness and valor. This breed is very confident not irrational, not at all aggressive, very serious and cent per cent like a human in its intelligence. They have a high level of learning. Humans possess a natural, inborn facility to be creative with symbols as far as we know, animals do not (Vajda, 2006). They are very attached to their families (who own them) and cannot tolerate strangers. Isolation is not possible for a German shepherd and will bark only when they have to. Their intelligence makes them highly protective and aggression or wild attacks are on humans are a result of mal-breeding, malnutrition and harsh trainings. Coercive or angry training does not succeed well with these dogs. Due to their excessive intelligence, this breed is capable of learning fast and thus can perform tasks that of a sheepdog, guard dog, military dog, sniffing dog, blind companion dog, search, fire rescue and  military.

Tracking, fly ball, ring jumping are some of the traits that they can master due to their intelligence.
Unlike the sweet breed Collie when compared to a German shepherd, they have many cons of being considered for a pet. Because of their high cleverness and inquisitiveness, German Shepherd Dogs have an indisputable necessitation to be a part of their owners daily life activities. They really require being a part of the owner family and would always feel wanted as they would keep running errands. They can be very destructive if left out to watch after the backyard as they do not like being alone and bored. One must spend extensive time with them which includes both training and games.

Conclusion
In any breed of dog there are different personalities, nature, aptitude and capability of learning. Some dogs are more leading and lively than others. Some dont need much attention and some are just fond of pleasing. It is very significant for you and your dog and your character and way of life be coordinated otherwise you will have to face immense disappointment. Dogs are illustrious human pets. But what makes them a good quality human pet is the aspect that they are to determine their work training and learning from their mistakes. Dogs are skilled for correctly seeing their master, responding to their commands and all kinds of different tricks. This is all due to the high level of capability to learn from their mistakes. Dogs have outstanding special traits that make them elegant and intelligent species.

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