Intelligence is a relative term and can vary as per ones own perspective and understanding. A person can be regarded intelligent at one time and stupid the next. However, one should note that no one is really stupid not to learn anything. If the student is not able to progress or learn, the fault lies with the master and not the student. The same thing goes with your dog. Thus, to label a dog smart, intelligent or stupid has the same effect as it has on human beings. Hence, one should be careful not to label your pet. A question arises, how can we judge the intelligence of the dog, a totally different species with different language? A point to note, that if we have not been able to fully comprehend or measure our fellow beings actions, behavior and intelligence, then how can we even think of judging the dog? In fact, when we are training the dog, it is the dog which has learned our language and not the reverse. Hence, they should be considered smarter than us. We all act and do something, when we desire or need something. For instance, we work to earn money; the desire to earn makes us work. Hence, if the dog does not behave or act the way we expect to, it can be either we have not explained it well or it does not feel motivated to do it. Labeling the dog is bad enough as if it is considered lazy, then the owner has no incentive to teach the dog; which in turn means the dog shall not learn anything. It can be seen that the dog was clever enough not to obey the masters commands. On the other hand, if it is considered intelligent, then one is bound to face disappointment, as the dog may not react in your expected manner. A simple case to explain the point; an owner was telling the trainer the futile attempts to make the dog sit when commanded. Meanwhile, the trainer was subconsciously dangling a small portion of meat, which the dog noticed and tried to grab. Out of habit, the trainer gave the command, Sit! The dog at once obeyed and sat down. Hence, one can see that the dog could learn but the owner was unable to put across the lessons effectively with the right motivation. Teaching dogs is similar to teaching kids with patience, love and understanding. As per dog trainers, to teach your dog successfully, you need to motivate the dog to learn through motivational methods and understand their behavior. Observance and innovative ideas is the key behind successful training. Remember to praise and reward them after every learning session. Learn more of Pet Improvement through videos, cassettes, books, and magazines articles from libraries, online pet sites, the Humane Society and bookstores (offline and online). Check out the television schedule for dog training serials, like The Dog Whisperer, Caesar. Other sources are Amazon.com where you can order online; with free shipping offered with minimum orders.

Resource: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=1572585