5-Minute Brain Tests For Your Dog + Cause For Paws Giveaway

Don’t Miss Our Supplement G-i-v-e-a-w-a-y!

Last week we announced that we’re giving 15 Cause for Paws readers a 1-month supply of NeuroChew (a $62 value + free shipping) - the #1 brain superfood we trust to help dogs stay focused, happy, and full of life.

This is sponsored by our friends at Furever Active Ranch, who share our mission to help every dog live a longer, healthier life.

Entries must be in by October 31st (or sooner :)

To enter:
1. Hit reply to this email
2. Tell us your dog’s name
3. You must live in the U.S.

Each household is limited to 1 bottle. Winners will be chosen at random.¹

Want to learn more about NeuroChew? Click here to take a look.

Don’t miss this chance - HIT REPLY NOW!!!

“Pathetic-Looking” Rescue Dog Saves Disabled Veteran From Depression

After losing his service dog, a disabled Vietnam veteran named Frank sank into depression. The silence in his home was crushing. Then, at a crowded Los Angeles shelter, he saw Gus - a frail, trembling miniature Schnauzer with bare patches where fur should be. “He looked so broken,” Frank said softly. “I knew he needed me.”

When Frank lifted Gus into the car, the little dog pressed his head against his chest and didn’t move for the entire drive home. That was the moment two wounded souls began to heal each other.

Since then, Gus has rarely left Frank’s side. He helps him walk, alerts him to sounds he can’t hear, and fills the house with the warmth that had been missing. “My mood, blood pressure, everything’s better,” Frank said. “He gave me a reason to get up again.”

The dog no one wanted gave a veteran his life back.

🧠 5-Minute Brain Tests For Your Dog…

If you’re curious about just how sharp your dog’s mind is, there are some simple, quick tests you can try at home. These 5-minute tests will help you assess different aspects of your dog’s intelligence, including memory, problem-solving, and understanding of commands.

1. Paw Preference Test

Goal: Find out if your dog is left-pawed, right-pawed, or ambidextrous.

• How to Do It: Place a treat or toy under a piece of furniture where only their paw can reach. Watch which paw they use to try and retrieve it.

• Results: If your dog uses one paw more than 70% of the time, that’s their dominant paw. If they switch paws, they may be ambidextrous.

2. Flip the Tin Test

Goal: Test your dog’s understanding of object permanence (the idea that objects still exist even when they’re out of sight).

• How to Do It: Place a treat under an empty tin or cup while your dog watches. Encourage them to knock over the tin to get the treat.

• Results: A dog that flips the tin quickly shows a good understanding of object permanence.

3. Drop the Treat Test

Goal: Test your dog’s understanding of how objects relate to each other.

• How to Do It: Drop a treat through a small gap (like between furniture) where they can see it but can’t reach it easily. See how they try to retrieve it.

• Results: A dog that tries different strategies (paws, nose, etc.) to get the treat shows good problem-solving skills.

4. Round the Bend Test

Goal: See if your dog can navigate obstacles to get a reward.

• How to Do It: Place a treat behind an obstacle, like a chair, so they can’t get to it directly. Encourage your dog to go around the obstacle.

• Results: A dog that quickly figures out how to go around the obstacle shows a good understanding of their environment.

5. Command of Language Test

Goal: Test how well your dog learns new commands.

• How to Do It: Teach your dog a new, simple command (like “spin” or “touch”). Practice for a few minutes and reward them when they get it right.

• Results: A dog that learns the new command quickly shows strong language learning skills.

6. Pull the String Test

Goal: Test your dog’s ability to figure out physical tasks.

• How to Do It: Attach a treat to a string and place it just out of reach, leaving the string visible. Encourage your dog to pull the string to bring the treat closer.

• Results: A dog that pulls the string to get the treat shows good problem-solving abilities.

7. Hide and Seek Test

Goal: Test your dog’s memory and ability to track hidden objects.

• How to Do It: Show your dog a treat, then hide it somewhere while they watch (under a pillow or behind furniture). Encourage them to find it.

• Results: A dog that quickly finds the treat demonstrates strong memory and tracking skills.

These quick tests can be a fun way to gauge your dog’s cognitive abilities. Remember, intelligence varies from dog to dog, and it’s not just about how quickly they complete the task - it’s about how they approach and solve problems. Next week we’ll dive into Fast Ways To Improve Your Dog’s Happiness.

🐾 Paw Profiles: 3 Pups in Search of a Forever Home!

Florida shelters are filled with incredible dogs whose only wish is to be loved again. These three came from one of our favorite rescue ranches, where their hearts have begun to heal - but what they need now is a home.

Maybe your love is the piece their story’s been missing…

Brandon

This distinguished 10-year-old gentleman is pure gold! Brandon proves that senior pups have the biggest hearts – he's got puppy energy wrapped in the wisdom of a seasoned soul. This sweet boy may start off shy, but just wait for those gentle kisses and tail wags that say "you're my person!" Whether he's prancing on walks or melting into your lap for snuggles, Brandon just wants to be your shadow.

Senior dogs know what matters: YOU.

Born: 04/28/2015 Give this good boy his happily ever after – Brandon is waiting! ❤️

Benson

This sweet explorer is ready to fill your world with unconditional love! Benson approaches life with wonder in his eyes and an open heart – every day is an adventure when you're loved by this special boy.

He's mastered the art of pure joy: belly rubs that make him melt, finding the perfect snuggle spot (spoiler: it's always next to you), and gazing at his humans like they hung the moon. Benson doesn't just want a family – he wants to be YOUR devoted companion, your shadow, your very best friend.

Note: Benson has a heart murmur, but his capacity for love is limitless!

Ready for a lifetime of loyalty and those soulful eyes that say "you're everything to me"? Benson is waiting to steal your heart!

Zoey

This precious Puerto Rican princess is pure puppy perfection! At just 4 months old, Zoey might start off shy, but give her a moment and watch that tail start wagging – this little one has SO much love to give!

She's all the best parts of puppyhood: endless games of "everything is a toy!", belly rubs that make her wiggle with joy, and those sweet puppy kisses that melt your heart.

Zoey isn't just looking for a home – she's looking for her people, her pack, her everything. She'll be your tiny shadow, your loyal sidekick, your reason to smile every single day.

Born: 6/21/25 Ready to raise this sweet baby girl? Zoey's waiting to grow up loving you! 🐶

Take a look at the Tri-County website to find your perfect match!

👋 We hope this week’s Boca edition of Cause For Paws brought a smile and reminded you how much our dogs give us every day. Give your pup an extra hug this weekend, and stay tuned for more heartwarming stories next week from all of us at Cause For Paws.

1  OFFICIAL GIVEAWAY RULES: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, 18+ years old. Giveaway period: October 1, 2025 12:01 AM PST through October 31, 2025 11:59 PM PST. To enter: Reply to this email with your dog's name. Limit one entry per household. 15 winners will be selected at random on October 31, 2025. Prize: One bottle of NeuroChew (value: $62.46 with free shipping). Odds depend on entries received. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: Furever Active Ranch, LLC.