I think sometimes we try and attribute certain characteristics that animals have to what we call Human Intelligence when these qualities are innate to the animal. Certain dogs are bred for herding and others for other tasks so they excel at that. All dogs are social animals so they are sensitive to group behavior and probably consider the Human family they reside with as they would a pack of dogs.

Personally I think most animals have a limited ability for independent thought and the ability to learn which varies with the species.