How To Sharpen Your Dog’s Intelligence: 7 Steps To A Smarter Dog

Ever feel like your dog could be the next Einstein… if only they’d stop chasing their tail long enough to focus?

Some dogs seem naturally sharp, while others—well, they might take a minute to realize the door pushes open, not pulls. 

But intelligence isn’t just something your pup is born with. It can be nurtured, shaped, and sharpened. A bored dog is a dull dog. Puzzle toys, training games, and new experiences challenge their brain, keeping them engaged and eager to learn. Ever tried teaching your dog the names of their toys? Or played hide-and-seek with treats? Small changes lead to big results. The more you challenge your dog’s mind, the sharper they’ll become. And who knows? Maybe one day, they will figure out that door…

For now, the good news is that boosting your dog’s intelligence is easier than you think.

What Goes On In Your Dog’s Mind?

Recent studies show that dogs are far smarter than we think. They have complex minds, process different emotions, and pick up on subtle cues in your tone of voice and body language. In essence, your furry friend isn’t just reacting—they’re understanding.

Dogs, like us, get bored with the same routine. You see, they need mental stimulation and exposure to new activities to stay engaged and happy. A bored dog often turns to destructive behavior, taking out their pent-up energy on furniture, shoes, or anything within reach. When you keep their minds active, you’ll have a happier, more well-balanced pup.

How To Sharpen Your Sidekick’s Mind

Coming to the question, “How can I improve my dog’s intelligence?” The first step is thorough training—because how you train them now shapes their future behavior and abilities.

Moreover, researchers at the University of Milan recently proved just how important training is. In a study with 110 dogs, two groups were formed: one received minimal training, while the other went through more extensive schooling. Both groups were then given a problem-solving test—finding hidden food.

The results? The well-trained dogs figured it out quickly, while only 30% of the lesser-trained dogs retrieved the food. That’s proof that training isn’t just about obedience—it sharpens their intelligence and problem-solving skills.

Now, let’s look at seven ways to boost your dog’s brainpower.

1. DIY Obstacle Course

I’m lucky to live on a farm owned by dog trainers, where there’s a huge field with a massive dog obstacle course. Thankfully, you don’t need fancy equipment to create a fun DIY obstacle course at home. Everyday household items like cushions, pillows, blankets, chairs, and tables can become the perfect agility setup. 

Essentially, obstacle courses test focus, patience, and problem-solving skills. Your dog has to stay sharp, navigate the challenge, and work through it step by step. 

Once they master the basics, switch things up: add new obstacles, increase difficulty, and keep it exciting (without spending a dime). And at the end? A well-earned treat.

2. Put Your Dog’s Sniffing Ability To The Test

Want to boost your dog’s focus and obedience? ‘Nose work’ is a fun activity that taps into their natural sniffing instincts, sharpening both cognitive and sensory skills.

But nose work isn’t just about scent detection; it’s also great for building confidence in nervous dogs and helping overactive pups positively channel their energy. 

If you’re looking for an easy way to get started, try a Sniff Diggy mat—it turns mealtime into a mental workout (and slows them down from eating too fast).

3. Use Treats To Increase Your Dog’s IQ

You can mentally stimulate your dog by putting treats inside an interactive toy. One worth investing in? The IQ Treat Ball. It’s a fun way to challenge your pup while rewarding them at the same time.
You can even adjust the difficulty by changing the size of the opening. Plus, it’s a great way to keep them busy (and out of trouble) while home alone.

4. Make Your Dog As Social As Possible

Want a more well-adjusted dog? Socialization is vital. The best time to expose your pup to new experiences is before they turn four months old, but it’s never too late to help them build confidence in different environments.

Every time your dog meets a new person or fellow furry friend, they’re learning, processing, and adapting. Taking them along on your daily jog… or even just running errands introduces them to new sights, sounds, and smells. 

Over time, these experiences sharpen their mental skills and help them become more confident, well-rounded dogs.

5. Play Hide and Seek with Your Furry Friend

Who says hide and seek is just for kids? You can play it with your dog to boost their mental sharpness and make training fun.

First, make sure your dog understands the “stay” command. Once they’ve mastered that, tell them to stay in one spot while you find the perfect hiding place. Then… call your buddy and let the search begin!

When they find you, reward them with hugs and a favorite treat. Not only does this game stimulate their intelligence, but it also strengthens your bond with them.

6. Training Starts Early

Once your puppy is five weeks old, they can begin learning basic commands in short training sessions.

By eight weeks, real training should start. Call your puppy by name, introduce simple commands, and take it step by step. The more effort you put in now, the more they’ll learn—and the smarter they’ll become.

7. Invest in Interactive Toys

One of the best ways to challenge your dog’s intelligence is with an interactive toy. My favorite? The Trixie Strategy Game on Amazon (with over 2,600 reviews!).

Ultimately, it’s designed to stimulate your dog’s mind and encourage them to explore sliding discs and knobs to retrieve their prized treat. It keeps them engaged, mentally sharp, and always thinking of new techniques to crack the puzzle. It’s also a lifesaver when you need to keep them busy for a while!

Is There Such a Thing as a Smarter Breed?

All dogs are the perfect man’s best friend, but some breeds stand out when it comes to intelligence. Stanley Coren, a well-known psychologist, surveyed 200 dog obedience judges to answer the big question: Are some dog breeds smarter than others?

In his book The Intelligence of Dogs, Coren ranked the smartest breeds based on his research, with the Border Collie topping the charts. However, he noted that every breed has its exceptions and that training plays a huge role in shaping a dog’s intelligence.

Another study sought to determine whether larger dogs are smarter than smaller ones. Coren stated:

“Data were obtained from 1,888 dogs, and the results were unambiguous. There was a clear trend indicating that larger dogs were able to accurately remember over a longer period of time than were their smaller counterparts.”

Is It Possible to Test Your Dog’s IQ?

All dogs have intelligence, but what if yours is exceptionally gifted? Is there a test to prove it once and for all?

According to scientists, dogs do have a measurable IQ. Just like humans, they have strengths and weaknesses, and researchers at the University of Edinburgh are working on developing accurate IQ tests for dogs.