rding to studies, does not exactly work the same way.
Instead, dogs have associative memory. They remember people, places and experiences based on feelings and associations they have with them.
For example, many dogs remember walks because of their association with their owners’ walking shoes. If you’re a dog owner, you know this well. Some dogs go bonkers when their owners grab their leashes because they associate that leash with a walk, and a walk is one of their favorite things.
So, this is how dogs remember things based on their associations with them.
Good Doggy Memories/Training
With training you can change your dog’s associative memories and behaviors. For example, when someone new comes to your home, have them give your dog positive attention and treats so your dog will associate that person with things he/she likes.
Your dog may not “remember” that person the same way you remember them, but he/she will form positive associations with that person.
Bad Doggy Memories/Training
Do dogs remember bad experiences? They sure do!
Although dogs don’t have the same kind of memory as we do, they can form negative associations that we may interpret as “bad memories.” Just like the good, they recall the bad.
You might notice how dogs who were abused as puppies or come from abusive homes will act scared and fearful around humans: that’s because it was most likely a human who abused the dog. That dog associates abuse with humans.
Does your dog act fearful in the waiting room at the vet’s office? If he’s had a negative experience at the vet, while he may not remember exactly what scared him so much, he associates the vet’s waiting room with that fear.
You can help dogs overcome negative associations by replacing them with positive experiences. For example, take a few “fun” field trips to the vet’s office where no exam takes place. Unfortunately, the stronger the association, the harder it is to change the memory.
Do Dogs Remember People?
You probably remember the first day your dog came home to live with you. But does your dog remember the first time meeting you? The short answer is, probably not.
While that 2016 study shows dogs may have some type of episodic-like memory, it also reveals there are real limits to that type of memory in dogs. So, your dog probably does not reflect on your first moments together in the same way you do.
The heartwarming news is, your dog’s associative memory means he knows who you are and that he likes you! Dogs are also strongly affected by smell, so your dog’s sense of smell helps him recognize and “remember” you and your scent is recognizable to your dog.
So, why does my dog sit and wait for me in the window?
Your dog might not remember everything you do together nor the day you first brought her home.
But she might remember watching you leave the house this morning and her strong positive associations with you mean she’ll celebrate when you get home tonight. And don’t forget, that 2016 study did reveal dogs have short-term episodic-like memory.
Your dog’s positive associations with you, your home, her favorite doggy friends and her favorite treats mean that she’s constantly “remembering” your life together and celebrating the good stuff in it.
Even if dogs don’t have fond memories of the past, their recognition of the present is a good reminder to live in the moment and enjoy every experience you have together.