Dogs are highly intelligent animals, with cognitive abilities comparable to those of small children. It is believed that dogs have an intelligence equivalent to that one of a child of about 2 years old. Studies have shown that dogs can learn more than 150 words, understand basic arithmetic and even deliberately trick others into giving them a reward. More intelligent dog breeds, such as Border Collies and Poodles, can learn up to 250 words. The researchers found that dogs exhibit a general cognitive factor or ‘g factor’ similar to that of humans, which includes problem-solving and learning abilities. Dogs with higher ‘g factor’ scores tend to be more exploratory, interested in novelty and better at new learning tasks. In addition to language and problem-solving skills, dogs also demonstrate remarkable emotional and social intelligence. They form a strong bond with their owners and are able to pick up on social cues and human emotional states. In order to develop a dog’s cognitive abilities, experts recommend leaving it free to explore and sniff its environment, offering it new challenges and activities, and engaging in dog training and dog sports that foster communication and problem-solving. In brief, dogs are much more intelligent than people think, with cognitive abilities ranging from problem-solving to learning, from language to social-emotional understanding, comparable to those of young children. Recognising and cultivating a dog’s intelligence can lead to a more enriching relationship.
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