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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.
