A recent study discovered that some dogs have the fascinating ability to learn names of toys and remember them years after without seeing them!
Ever wondered if your dog remembers all those barkday celebrations? What about the time you both had a vacation? Studies claim that dogs have a short-term memory of about two minutes. That means, your pup might not even remember that you left the house or even the details of his puppyhood. The good news is, it’s not the only type of memory they have. A new research demonstrated dogs’ ability to retain information through repetition of events and by associating them with specific actions.
A research focused on the long-term memory of dogs found that some of the smartest pups in the world (also known as gifted world learner) can recall object names despite not seeing those objects for years. Researchers Claudia Fugazza, Ádám Miklósi, and Shany Dror conducted an experiment involving five smart dogs. In December 2020, they learned the names of 12 toys within a span of 1 week. Afterward, the dogs and their owners have been allowed to play with the toys.
The researchers stored away the toys and brought them back two years later. They showed these toys to the smart pups individually and asked them to fetch the test toys by calling the toy’s name. The study resulted in an accuracy rate ranging from 44% to 60%. According to Dr. Fugazza, this is the first study proving that some dogs can recall words for up to two years. Since the experiment only involved smart dogs, the entire study cannot produce generalized findings. Still, it made the interesting discovery that associative memory isn’t just found in humans. More significantly, we have more similarities with our furry companions than expected.
Other Memory Abilities of Dogs
If dogs can remember the names of toys they learned just two years ago, researchers believe they can also remember their human companions, perhaps until death. They can recall people and events based on the experiences they have associated with them. What makes our furry friends even more unique is their short-term memory and tendency to recall early memories.
- Short-term memory: Thanks to dogs’ short-term memory, they can remember commands, learn tricks, and solve problems. How long they can retain these information, you ask? It depends on complexity of task or how motivated they are.
- Episodic-like memory: Another study revealed that dogs can recall their actions and repeat them after delays ranging from a few seconds to 1 hour. However, canines don’t have the ability to remember yesterday and plan for tomorrow. Your pup tends to focus on the present moment but he can sense the passage of time through other mechanisms.
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Training Your Dog’s Memory
The latest study revealed that associative memory is present in smart dogs. We can then infer that training your dog’s memory can help him build associations. Of course, it’s also a great way to provide mental stimulation and strengthen your bond.
Playing with puzzle toys is an example of a memory-boosting activity that you can do with your dog. The objective is to make him work to get the reward. Food or treats can be placed underneath the puzzle and your dog needs to toss, lick, or roll the toys around to get the reward. Changing the hiding spots should challenge your dog’s memory and build problem-solving skills.
There area also advanced memory challenges for dogs who have mastered the basics. For example, sequencing will require a dog to perform commands in a specific order: sit, stay, and shake. There’s also the multiple object recall, wherein several toys will be placed in front of the pup and he will be asked to retrieve a specific one. This is what the researchers did with the smart dogs in the experiment.
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From The Club
If dogs can recall toys they didn’t see for years, chances are they can also recognize people they haven’t seen for a long time. Maybe that’s why we see heartwarming reunions between dogs and their human companions after 3 or more years. While dogs are known for their short-term memory, it doesn’t change the fact that they too can feel love and happiness, and also associate these feelings with the most important people in their lives. Every moment counts with our pets, especially when we make efforts to show how much we love them.
