There are many false myths associated with the memory of the dogs. Surely we have heard all kinds of theories; since they are not able to retain data until they have a significant long-term memory capacity. This is one of the topics that arouse the most interest among lovers of these animals. Therefore, we offer some information about it.
The truth is that dogs have the ability to store information in your brain, which in turn is part of its survival instinctThey can retain positive and negative memories, acting on them based on their experiences. So, for example, if a dog is scratched by a cat, it's likely to never go near another cat again.
Experts offer endless opinions about the operation of the the memory canine. To this day, we know that dogs have, broadly speaking, two types of memory: short and long termThe first is widely used in training processes, since these animals live primarily in the present, without thinking about the past or the future. Hence, they need to be immediately rewarded after obeying an order. Through repetition, they learn to memorize these action-reaction experiences.
Long-term memory, meanwhile, is what they use to store permanent information. As we said before, this helps them to strengthen their survival instinct; However, they do not use this kind of memory in the same way as human beings, since they are not capable of remembering specific events like us, but rather memorize sensations and routines.
They also have a excellent olfactory memory, since this is their most developed sense. Their auditory memory is also remarkable, although their visual memory is much weaker than the previous two. Therefore, through smell, dogs can perceive a large number of memories and sensations.
How does canine memory work in practice?
La short term memory The dog's information handles immediate information and fades quickly. That's why it's useless. to quarrel after a mess: The animal can perceive anger, but not link it to past action if it is not reinforced at the time.
La long term memory It is built by association. Dogs connect sensory stimuli (a smell, a voice, a timbre) with people, places or objects. This explains why they identify someone by their voice or smell, while a photography Don't tell them anything about that person. It can also cause confusion if they hear a voice on the phone or a bark on TV when the other cues (smell and physical presence) are missing.
In addition, the dogs integrate spatial memory: They learn routes, resource locations, and home routines. If a usual route is altered, some dogs may insist or bark because their previous experience indicates another “correct” path.
Memory and training: from command to specialized work
Canine learning is based on creating associations between a signal (verbal or gestural) and a consequence. positive reinforcement (rewards, play, petting) after the correct response consolidates the behavior. The effective time window is Very brief: The sooner the reinforcement arrives, the stronger the connection will be; in fact, in practical training it is recommended to reinforce within seconds, and, as already indicated, to correct or reward beyond Hold this position with the handles raised for 10–20 seconds loses effectiveness.
Repetition, clarity of signals and consistency are determining factors, along with age, previous experiences and genetics. Some groups such as herding dogs and collectors They tend to learn a large number of commands quickly; individuals have even been documented to be able to recognize hundreds of words. The same mechanism allows complex training: dogs of rescue that follow a specific scent, dogs of medical assistance that detect physiological changes and dogs police capable of discriminating substances by their olfactory fingerprint.
To avoid common mistakes, it is advisable to: observe the dog and mark the moment of the desired behavior, be precise with the reward, allow the dog to processes without saturating it with orders and structuring the exercises in small steps with signals coherent.
Memory, independent thought, and individual differences
In tests of independent thinking Human cues are contrasted with what the dog remembers (e.g., pointing to a different cup than the one containing the treat). Some individuals rely more on their own memory; others, on human guidance. work They tend to show greater autonomy, while many companion dogs tend to follow the rules more. social signals of their tutors.
Do you remember people and events?
Dogs can maintain very long-lasting bonds with significant people thanks to their associative memory and a form of remembering. episodic-like. In imitation protocols of the type “do what I do", it has been proven that they are capable of remember actions observed even when they did not expect to be evaluated, and reproduce them after variable time intervals. This trace can be attenuated if it is not reactivated, but recognition by smell y voice It usually remains remarkably stable for long periods.
Due to their sensory profile, what they retain best is the individual smell of people and animals, followed by the tonality of the voice and, to a lesser extent, visual features. Memories with emotional charge (good experiences or fears) tend to become more consolidated.
When memory deteriorates
Until now, Alzheimer's has not been recognized as a disease that dogs can suffer from. However, they do suffer from Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, with similar characteristics. Therefore, a dog may forget people it knows, or part of its training. If you notice signs of disorientation, changes in sleep-wakefulness, loss of habits or apathy in an older dog, go to your veterinarian to try to slow this cognitive decline.
Understanding that a dog's memory is sensory, associative and context-dependent It allows you to adjust expectations, train better, and, above all, take care of your well-being: instantly reinforcing what we want, creating clear routines, and cultivating positive experiences cements useful memories and a stronger bond.