IQ Test: How Fast Can Your Dog Think? - Maze

Have you ever tried walking a labyrinth? I’ve done it in a few countries and I actually enjoy doing it. Unfortunately none of my dogs were with me. I always wonder if my dogs could handle a simple maze so I constructed a mini maze to see how fast my dog can think. Results vary nonetheless the experiment was fun to say the least!

This is a simple IQ test to see how quickly your dog can conquer a simple maze. He has to figure out that he has to walk away from the treat to get closer to it.

Things You Need For This Test:

• Used cardboards. The size of the cardboard depends on the size of your dog. A Cocker Spaniel may only need one 29″ TV cardboard box.
• Food treats. Most dogs are motivated by food but if Fido responses better to his favorite toy, by all means use that.
• Stop watch.

Steps:

1. Cut out the used cardboard to form a really long rectangle shape. You may have to use tape to add more pieces of cardboard.
2. Stand the cardboard up on its side. Make it into a U-shape.
3. The sides should be slightly taller than your dog when he stands on two so that your dog won’t be able to jump over to get the treat.
4. The length on each side of the cardboard must be at least twice the length of your dog’s body so that your dog has to make a considerable effort to walk around the side of the cardboard to get to the treat.
5. Cut a hole in the bottom of the U-shape, at the height for your dog to see through the hole when he’s on four.
6. Bring your dog to the inside the U-shape maze.
7. Use the stay command to have him wait for you to stand on the outside.
8. Hold the treat right at the hole. Ask your dog to come and get it.

Disqualify: If you dog pushed the cardboard down to get the treat, it doesn’t count.

Check Result:

• How long does it take your dog to come around the outside of the U maze to where your are standing?
• Try this experiment again, and see if your dog gets better with more practices.

Advance Level: Once your dog is able to conquer this simple maze, you could increase the difficulty of the maze structure by adding more cardboards on the sides to form irregular shape.

Remember, the result is not as important as having a fun time with your dog!