
May have to do it over a few posts as there is too much for one post and too much for me to type in one go. You will need stop watch prefrably or something to time your dog.
1st test (Observational Learning)
Select a time of day when you would not normally walk your dog. Make sure your dog is awake and in the same room. Silently pick up your coat, keys and dogs lead. Stay where you are and do not move toward the door. If your dog runs to the door or comes directly too you indicating excitement or interest Score 5. If not move directly to the door and stop. If he comes to you in anticipation of a walk or going out score 4.
If not place your hand on the door knob and turn it back and forth to make a noise. If your dog comes to you score 3. If he pays some attention during these proceedures but does not come to you or the door score 2. If dog pays no attention score 1.
Test 2 (Problem Solving)
You need an empty can about the size of a soup can ( I used plastic tumblers), your dogs favourite treat.
Show your dog the treat and let him sniff it, then put the treat on the ground and cover with the open end of the can. Start timing. If he knocks can away and gets the treat within 5 secs score 5. If in 5-15 secs score 4. In 15-30 secs score 3. In 30-60secs score 2. If your dog sniffs round the can but doesn't get the treat within 1 min score 1. If dog makes no effort score 0
I actually used several beakers with food under only one and moved them about but she done it just as quickly.
Test 3 (Attention and Enviromental Learning)
While your dog is out of the house either you or a helper should rearrange furniture in a room familiar to the dog e.g bring more chairs in, pull sofa in centre of the room etc etc. Try to make at least 5 things different in the room.
Now let dog in the room while you stand quietly. If your dog notices something different within 15 secs and starts to sniff and explore score 5. If he notices and starts to sniff within 15-30 secs score 4. In 30=60 secs score 3. If he seems to notice a difference but does not explore it score2. If a minute passes and your dog has still taken no notice score 1.
Test 4 (Problem Solving)
You need a large bath towel or small blanket. Make sure your dog is awake and reasonably active. Let them sniff the towel, then with one swift smooth movement throw the towel over your dog so his head and front shoulders are completely covered. Watch silently. If the dog frees himself in 15 secs or less score 5. 15-30 secs score 4. 30-60secs score 3. 1-2 mins score 2. If not removed after 2 mins score 1.
Test 5 (Social Learning)
Pick a time when your dog is sitting about 8 feet from you but has not explicitly been told to sit and stay. Then stare intently at his face. When your dog looks at you count silently to 3 and then smile broadly.
If he comes to you with any tail wagging score 5. If comes slowly or only part way with no tail wagging score 4. If he stands or rises from sitting position but does not move toward you score 3. If your dog moves away from you score 2 If he pays no attention score 1.
Test 6 (Problem Solving)
This is similar to test 2 but a little more difficult it demands a bit more cleverness in manipulating objects.
You need a hand towel or a tea towel. Show your dog a treat, place it on the floor while the dog watches it and throw the tea towel over it. If he retrieves the treat and eats it within 15 secs or less score 5. 15-30 secs score 4. 30-60 secs score 3. 1-2 mins score 2. If he tries but gives up score 1. If he doesn't even try within 2 mins score 0.
Part 2 and final score interpretations to follow soon (phew)