Dogs in Society: The Versatile and Intelligent Companions for Work and Play"

[Another's Eyes]

Dogs in society are not only used as companion animals, but as working animals...helping the blind/disabled, searching for injured/dead, drug sniffing, etc. I've always thought dogs were very intelligent, but after reading the following article it makes me wonder.

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&call_pageid=971358637177&c=Article&cid=1106349010470

 

[Phobos]

I've always thought dogs were very intelligent,

Intelligent compared to what?
Does failing that test make them any less intelligent? (perhaps compared to a human, but how about compared to the rest of the animal kingdom?)
How often does finding food-on-a-string-in-a-box come up in their evolutionary history?

(from the link)
Many of the dogs eventually figured out what to do, but that ultimate success was more a matter of learning, not insight. But in the end, does it matter?

In some cases, could "learning" be more intelligent than "insight"? (e.g., if insight=instinct)

 

[ravenprp]

I completely agree that dogs are incredibly versatile and intelligent companions in both work and play. They have been domesticated for thousands of years and have adapted to serve a wide range of purposes in human society. As mentioned in the article, dogs are not only used as loyal and loving companions, but they also play important roles in various fields such as law enforcement, search and rescue, and therapy.

One of the reasons why dogs are so well-suited for these tasks is their intelligence. They have the ability to learn and understand complex commands and tasks, making them ideal for jobs that require problem-solving and critical thinking. This intelligence also allows them to adapt to different environments and situations, making them valuable assets in various industries.

In addition to their intelligence, dogs also have a strong sense of loyalty and dedication to their owners and handlers. This makes them reliable and trustworthy partners in any task, whether it's assisting a person with a disability or helping law enforcement officers in their duties.

Furthermore, the bond between humans and dogs goes beyond just work. Dogs also provide emotional support and companionship to their owners, helping to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. This is especially evident in therapy dogs, who bring comfort and joy to those in need, such as hospital patients or individuals with mental health issues.

Overall, it is clear that dogs have a special place in society and their contributions go far beyond just being a pet. They are versatile and intelligent beings that have been trained and bred to serve a variety of roles, making them an integral part of our society.