All of us who have or have had dogs know or can intuit that they have memory. When they get home, for example, they are very happy to see us, or when we show them the leash just before going out for a walk. However, we may have doubts about how is the memory of a dog really.
So if that's your case, don't worry. Next we are going to talk at length about a topic as interesting as the memory of one of the best friends of the human being.
Do dogs have memory?
First of all, we are going to solve one of the doubts that many people have. These animals yes they have memory, but unlike us, they do not have it episodic (that is, they are not able to absorb, retain and seal the episodes in some part of their brain), but they do associative.
Associative memory is one that allows them to associate some things and turn them into memories. This explains why he is so happy to see the strap, since he knows well that it means a walk ... and he loves that (as long as he has not been mistreated, of course, in which case what he will do is get as far away as possible from the belt).
His memory is short-term, but with nuances
Dogs live in the moment. Since their origin they do it like this, since in nature there is no time to think about the past, much less about the future. If an animal did, it wouldn't take long to be eliminated. The law of survival requires everyone to live in the now, trying to adapt as best they can to the different situations that may arise throughout the day.
Although these animals have lived with humans for 10 years, in terms of survival they are still almost the same as their most remote ancestors: wolves. But they know they are counting on us to get ahead. However, if they come across a person who does not treat them well, then they will keep those bad memories in their memory... which later will be difficult -although not impossible- to help them forget.
Respect and trust are the basis of a good friendship between dog and human
When we decide to live with a dog it is very important that we make sure that it has everything it needs. And when I say "everything" I mean water, food, a safe and clean place to live, toys, ... and also love, respect and trust. Without these last three things, it will be very difficult for the furry to be happy.
Therefore, when we want to train him, the best we can do for him is to use positive reinforcement. In addition, we must understand that in order to assimilate concepts and learn, his memory only has 10-20 seconds from when the order has been told to associate the word with the reaction expected of him. This is why when you scold them, for example 30 minutes after doing a mischief, you have no idea why the human was angry or upset.
How to help an abused dog?
Now that we know that the memory of a dog is capable of remembering events either very happy or very sad, we can get an idea of how bad it is when it is being or has been mistreated. The sudden movements, the screams, the abandonment,… all this is in his head, and he needs someone to help him forget. How?
The answer is as simple as it is complex: with love, patience and respect. Trying to gain their trust with caresses and treats is a good starting point. You should not force him to do anything he does not want to. Do not yell, or make sudden movements, or noise of any kind (not even put the music on high volume).
Little by little he will leave his past behind. But sometimes you may need a little more help, and that can be given by a canine educator who works positively, so I recommend you consult one if you have no idea how to help your furry, or if a lot has already happened. time and still have not gotten results.
Did you find this topic interesting?