[gemy]

[QUOTE=Bamboo15;4690061]I've always thought that the quicker a dog picks up on tricks, the more intelligent the dog is. One of mine literally learns new tricks in 5-10 min - even tricks like lay down and roll over. It took me 3 weeks to teach the other one to sit and that's the only trick he knows. I was recently talking to someone who said they believe the dog that actually refuses to do tricks is the more intelligent and strong-willed dog because he wants to be the master. In my case, it is true that my dog that does do tricks is the more submissive dog.

Does a refusal to do tricks mean a dog is more intelligent? Does picking up on tricks quickly really mean a dog is less intelligent?[/QUOTE


What an interesting question. I have never had a pup learn that fast, although once foundation is establish my old one is very fast learner.

Right now I believe it to be more a function of innate plus trained personality. If you have a dog with a high desire to please coupled with a high work ethic, that dog would be easiest to train.

Dara is very very smart, in that she plans things out. How to sneak up on bed without getting caught, for eg. How to take toy away from the other dogs, usually when they are not looking. And she will focus on the dog or dogs in question for as long as it takes. Much longer then I can get her to focus on her obedience training. Sigh.

Magic is the work aholic. Never wants to stop. Getting the toy, going over the jump is reward enough. He is also very food motivated too.