By: Kelly Marshall
Submitted: 2008-07-06 10:03:14 | Word Count: 527
Some pet owners and dog trainers expect their dog s intelligence level to be exactly the same of humans, during training. This mistaken theory about dog psychology can be upsetting to the both the dog owner and the dog itself.
Dog trainers shouldn t measure canine intelligence against human principles. Each canine may have his own talent. If the occasion does not allow for your dog to display this form of talent, it doesn t mean he s stupid. For hundreds of years, behavior experts have been trying to develop a test that measures all aspects of human intelligence and have failed. So, how can canine experts profess to measure a dog s intelligence when we do not speak the same language?
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Classifying a dog stupid can be as just as damaging as calling humans stupid. If a dog is called stupid, the owner normally stops trying to train the dog. The name ‘stupid’ becomes self fulfilling because if the owner won t teach the dog. Then the dog really won t learn anything.
In contrast, labeling a dog intelligent can create unrealistic expectations and even disappointment if he doesn t respond as we expect them to. Maybe all these stupid dogs are just smart enough to make their masters think they are stupid just to avoid the effort of do as they are told! A very aggravated dog owner complained to his dog’s trainer that she had spent weeks trying to train her dog to sit on command and he just didn t understand. As the owner was explaining her problem, the trainer was unconsciously playing with a piece of meat that he forgot to refrigerate after training another dog. So the dog noticed the meat and began pushing the trainer. From force of habit, he told the dog to sit. And the dog obeyed! This is a good example of learning theory proven centuries ago that a lack of response doesn’t always mean that a dog is not capable of learning. This dog was actually learning the owner just couldn’t find the right motivator to get him to react.
Perhaps dog intelligence can not be calculated, especially when the criteria for intelligence are measured on another species yardstick. Regardless of breed, the majority of dogs are smart enough to understand obedience commands during. A dog trainer who uses motivating training methods and a good understanding of the principles behind canine learning can mold a dog s behavior into pleasing conduct.
Pet Improvements
There is help available to improve for pet improvement. Seek resources from local public libraries: videos, cassette recordings, books, magazine articles and more about dog training, for example. Also check out authority pet sites like those for country and local chapter Humane Society offices near you.
There are also many shows today on television about pets. Check out channels in your area for a pet channel, often available via cable networks. And search for show times for Caesar, the Dog Whisperer.
Head to online and local bookstores, too, for the latest pet books, magazines and other helpful resources. Amazon.com is a popular place, offering free shipping with minimum orderings.
