Downside to smart dog?

Monday May 25th, 2009

Question:

What's the downside of having a smart dog?

Answer:

Surprisingly, there are quite a few. Smart dogs actually learn to "work" the system, and they pick up the naughty stuff just as quickly as they learn the good-behavior stuff. Most importantly, though, smart dogs are the most easily bored and understimulated.

Unfortunately, boredom and understimulation has serious welfare implications (think about how zoos get knocked for having unenriched environments for their captives). Severe problem behaviors can result, as the dog gives himself his own projects to do. Any dog, but especially the smart ones, need plenty of mental exercise.

Tags Dog Behavior

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	I'm very curious as to how someone who believes so whole-heartedly in Skinnerian behaviorism can call one dog "smart" and the other not... I suppose you'll offer that it must be a physiological difference. How can one dog be "smarter" than another, Ms. Donaldson, if they cannot choose or think on some level? I suppose you believe that some dogs are just more easily conditioned? over 2 years ago by Anonymous
	Ms. Donaldson, given that you believe dogs are solely the product of Operant and Classical conditioning, I have to wonder what you believe makes a dog "smarter"? Since you do not believe they posses the power to comprehend or reason (even to a small extent), but rather can only be conditioned, I'm sincerely very curious as to how you can deem one dog "smart" and one dog not. over 2 years ago by Anonymous
	i wanted a smart yorkie pup but i didnt know that their where down sides to having a smart puppy but when you think about it i guess it would over 3 years ago by Anonymous

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