by Kimberly L. Jackson

With the exception of drinking from the toilet and that peanut butter on the nose thing, your dog is a pretty smart puppy.

But just how smart? David Taylor's new book "Your Dog's I.Q.: How Clever is Your Canine" explores a dog's brain and abilities. With the book's 50 tests, Taylor offers ways to measure three aspects of your dog's intelligence: problem solving, obedience and instinct. Sample test: See if you can increase your dog's vocabulary by asking him to fetch specific toys (or tools!) by name.

Other tests include treasure hunts, hide-and-seek games, and an obstacle course. Low test scores are no cause for concern, says Taylor; your dog is still your best bud. The book ends with a chapter called Canine Crammer College which allows you to sharpen your dog's mind through training - be he a "Caneinstein" or a mutt of lesser powers.


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An "animal communicator" has teamed with a Highland Park, Ill., record label to create a musical CD geared toward dogs.

Dr. Kim Ogden, whose dog communicating skills have led to appearances on ABC World News, CNN, CBS and NBC, guided Skip Haynes of the Laurel Canyon Animal Company record label in creating "Songs to Make Dogs Happy," the label said in a release.The label said the CD is the first to be created and tested using a canine focus group.

The Laurel Canyon Animal Company said its CDs, which are all geared toward an animal audience, are used to raise funds for animal rescue and rights groups across the country, including the Best Friends Animal Society and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

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Dogs bring years of joy and companionship, but they are also a big responsibility. That's why it's critical to know what to expect before you get a dog. Deciding what breed to get is as important as deciding whether to get a dog in the first place. Being a responsible pet owner requires some serious and careful research to determine which of the 158 dog breeds registered by the American Kennel Club is right for you and your family.

Temperament
A dog may be with you as long as 15 years, depending on the breed, so make sure he has a personality you can live with. Is he active, or subdued? Is he easily trained, or strong-willed? Is he friendly to everyone he meets, or aloof toward strangers?

Exercise needs
All dogs need exercise, but some are more active than others. Some dogs need a lot of attention from family members, and regular activity to prevent them from becoming bored and destructive. Others are happy to spend the day sleeping on the couch.

Size
All puppies are adorable, but they grow quickly. Ask the breeder how large your puppy will become before you bring him home. Keep in mind that large dogs require more food and space, and even some small dogs need lots of room to run around.

Grooming Needs
All dogs need grooming and most will shed to some degree. Long-coated dogs are beautiful, but require a lot of effort to stay that way. Short-coated dogs are easier to groom, but may still shed, and may require protection in cold weather.

Cost
According to a recent AKC survey, the average pet owner spends up to $1,700 annually on food, vet care, grooming, toys/treats and training. In addition, pet owners spend up to $1,800 on one-time expenses such as acquiring the dog, spaying/neutering, and start up supplies, including a crate, a dog bed, and leashes and bowls.




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Human's inclination to invest dogs with human-like states of mind isn't as unscientific as it might appear for scientists are now suggesting that canines are becoming more intelligent and are even learning morals.

Studies presented at the first Canine Science Forum in Budapest, Hungary, backs the idea that the descendants of grey wolves have become more intelligent, and even learnt a sense of right and wrong, the New Scientist journal reported.

"Dogs show a strong aversion to inequity. I would prefer not to call it a sense of fairness, but others might," said Dr Friederike Range, of the University of Vienna, who led the study. Full story...



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