When your dog perks up at the sight of their leash or the rustle of their treat bag, it’s easy to wonder — what’s going on in their mind? Do they store memories of those sights and sounds, or are their reactions purely instinctive?
While much of a dog’s behavior is undoubtedly shaped by instinct and training, recent research reveals that some special dogs can recall the names of specific objects for years, adding yet another layer to our understanding of canine cognition.
How Dogs Remember
Memory in dogs can be divided into two broad categories: short-term memory and long-term memory. Short-term memory is rather limited, lasting only a few minutes. This explains why your pup might seem to forget they’ve already greeted you and excitedly return for another round of attention moments later.
Long-term memory, on the other hand, involves storing information over extended periods. And although some studies suggest dogs can form and hold onto long-term memories for over a decade, the mechanisms behind this ability remain a topic of research.
