How Much Do Dogs Really Remember?
Do you ever wonder if dogs also remember their hoomans as humans remember their dogs? Do dogs remember their favorite toys? Do they remember places? Or possibly the way to the vet’s clinic?
We will be answering various questions about dogs’ memories. Let’s get to it.
Do dogs even have memories?
What do you think? Does your four-legged friend have a memory or not? Yup, they do. Research has found out that dogs have memories. However, there are many things that experts still don’t know.
While this has been established, experts don’t know to what extent to dogs remember things. We do know that dogs are able to learn behaviors, form associations between stimuli and emotions, and even respond to cues.
It is still to be discovered if all dog breeds form memories the same way, or whether the extent of remembering things varies between ages and breeds of dogs.
What types of memories do dogs have?
Following are the types of memories dogs usually have, though these may differ from breed to breed. Try to notice which one does your dog has.
- Short-term memory
- Associative memory
- Episodic memory
Let’s look into a little detail of these types.
- Short-term memory
As you probably already know, dogs usually don’t have a sense of time. So, these furry animals have very short-term memories. You’ve probably heard that dogs don’t have a sense of time.
A study by National Geographic established that dogs can forget an event even within two minutes. Interesting, right?
Now you probably understand why your dog gets so excited to greet you even when you just went out to get something from your car. This is also why dog parents are discouraged from punishing their dogs for destructive behaviors when left alone at home, as they don’t remember destroying your favorite pillow.
- Associative memory
You must be wondering that if dogs have short-term memories, how do they get trained and learn cues? The credit for that goes to associative memory.
Your dog creates a relationship between hearing a cue and performing a behavior based on that cue. That’s why you treat them on responding to a cue while using positive reinforcement training.
They also develop associations of their own, like getting excited when you pick up their leash, as they know it’s walk time.
- Episodic memory
Episodic memory is being able to recall a past experience and the context it occurred in, like the place, associated emotions, etc.
Evidence suggests that dogs do experience episodic memories to some extent. These memories may play a role in reactivity, anxiety, and fear in your fur baby. It could also bring them excitement in scenarios they have had fun in before.
Do dogs remember hoomans?
We know this is the question you have been waiting for the most. Will your dog remember you if you leave for a long vacation? Does the dog you grew up with remembers you who might now be one of your siblings? Or does your dog remember your ex, oh you probably don’t want that.
Yup, dogs remember their humans, though it is unclear how they remember them. We have seen in rescue dogs, how they may show fear or aggression towards any people who resemble their abusers, etc.
This can work in positive ways too, like your dog getting excited when your best friend comes over, because your pup remember how they brought treats for them.
Now, you can sleep peacefully, knowing that the memories between your dog and you exist both ways, it’s not a one-sided affair.
