Do Dogs Have Long-Term Memories, or Are They Just Really Good at Faking It?

We all know dogs are masters of “puppy eyes,” expert couch hogs, and connoisseurs of whatever falls off the dinner table. But are our furry BFFs secretly packing long-term memories, too? Spoiler alert: the answer is both yes and kind of.

The Science-y Stuff: Do Dogs Remember?

Dogs don’t experience memory like humans do. While you might hold onto that one embarrassing middle school moment forever (thanks, brain), your dog is busy living in the moment—sniffing butts, barking at squirrels, and wagging their tail like every day is their birthday. But that doesn’t mean they don’t remember stuff. Dogs have episodic-like memory, basically the doggie version of your ability to recall where you parked the car.

They can remember specific events for a short time. For example, if you drop a piece of bacon on the floor, your pup will remember exactly where it landed long enough to swoop in and claim it as their own. Classic.

But What About Long-Term Memory?

When it comes to long-term memory, dogs might surprise you. They do remember things, but not entirely like we do. Instead of holding onto details like the time of day or what you wore (thank goodness), they store emotional and associative memories. They remember who made them feel safe, happy, or loved—and who took them to the vet. Yep, they’ll never forget that betrayal.

Ever notice how your dog loses their mind when seeing an old friend or a favorite toy? That’s because they’ve made positive associations with those people or things. It’s like they’re saying, “Hey! I remember you! You’re awesome!”

Can Dogs Remember Commands Forever?

This depends on practice. If your dog learned to “sit” as a puppy but hasn’t been asked to sit in six years, chances are they’ll have forgotten. But if you’ve been reinforcing that command regularly, they’re more likely to remember it long-term. It’s like us forgetting algebra because we never use it (sorry, math teachers).

A Nose for Nostalgia

Here’s a fun twist: dogs’ super-sniffers significantly affect their memory. Their incredible sense of smell helps them associate scents with memories. That’s why your dog might wag their tail like a maniac when they smell your old hoodie, even if you’ve been out of town for weeks. They don’t just remember you—they smell you (and love you for it).

So, Are Dogs Basically Goldfish?

Absolutely not. While their memories are different from ours, they’re far from short-term. Dogs are emotional creatures and hold onto memories that matter to them—like belly rubs, treat time, and the sound of your car pulling into the driveway. Sure, they might not remember the exact day you adopted them, but they’ll never forget the feeling of being loved.

Ultimately, dogs don’t need long-term memory like humans because they’re too busy living in the moment—and reminding us to do the same. So go give your pup a cuddle, toss them a ball, or drop a piece of bacon (accidentally, of course). They’ll remember the love, even if they can’t recall the bacon.

And that’s why we’ll always be second to snacks but first in their hearts.