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 Dogs demonstrate their high level. With their outstanding memory (which some say is better than our own), dogs can be trained to suppress even the strongest of natural instincts. But they can also reason and think for themselves as seen most dramatically when they save lives, determining in an instant the best response to a crisis.
Acutely sensitive to changes in their environment, including not only those in the atmosphere, but in our own expression and moods as well, dogs have earned a reputation for telepathic thought. Although many questions remain about the possibility of a sixth sense in dogs, what we do know about their other five senses, and their ability to think, that they are remarkable.
Intelligence is often defined as an ability to comprehend meaning and a capacity to understand; this is directly related to an animal's cognitive power, its ability to perceive and interpret the signals it receives from the environment. In this respect, the dog is very well equipped.
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The dog's brain is a complex and extremely active organ which demands over 20% of the animal's blood supply. Like our brain, it has three major parts: the cerebrum, which controls learning, emotions and behavior; the cerebellum controlling muscles; and the stem connecting the brain to the rest of the body's nervous system.
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Perhaps the most important point for humans to remember about the dog's brain is that its functionality and even its size can be increased through greater sensory stimulation; more interaction with animals and other people, more games or toys to play with, new changes of scene to explore. All of these will stimulate the dog's brain and make it more efficient and powerful.
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Of all the dog's senses which it uses to great effect in understanding its environment, the most important is its sense of smell. A dog can literally "read" its environment with its nose. Though different breeds have different levels of ability, dogs are generally so much better than we are that its even impossible to fathom.
Some people believe that pedigrees are generally cleverer because they are more refined or because intelligence can be enhanced through breeding. But many others believe that mongrels are brighter, inheriting certain "street-smarts" that purebred dogs do not have access to. In fact, a dog's intelligence is more profoundly affected by its training and by its contact with people than it is by its instinctive knowledge.
"Whilst a mongrel is just as friendly, intelligent and delightful canine as a dog with a pedigree, it has no advantages over its pedigreed brother. Intelligence is matter of individuality and of association with humankind (Edward C. Ash)."
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Go Pets America recommends seeking the advice of your local veterinarian for the most appropriate vaccination program and for the diagnosis and treatment of your pet's health problems. For vaccination requirements please contact your state and local licensing authorities.
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