Do Rescue Dogs Truly Remember Their Past Lives? (3 Real-Life Examples)

The short answer is yes, dogs can remember events and experiences, particularly those tied to strong emotions. 

When you adopt a new dog, you don’t always know much about his background. 

Maybe he was a stray, maybe he lived with a family that could no longer care for him, or perhaps he was abandoned by his former owners. 

If he has been in an animal shelter or foster home for a while, you may be able to find out a bit more about his history.  

But for many rescue dogs, their past lives are shrouded in mystery. 

As your new family member starts to settle into his new home and you become more familiar with his little quirks, you may start to wonder if he can remember anything from his previous life before he became a part of your family.

Maybe he refuses to walk under a railway bridge, or maybe he startles every time a loud truck goes by.

There has to be a reason for that, surely?

How Do Dogs Remember Things?

Memory is a complex cognitive process that involves encoding, storing, and retrieving information. 

It allows us to retain knowledge and experiences in our minds for future use. 

In humans, memory can be divided into different types such as short-term and long-term memory, and can also be influenced by emotions.

Similarly, dogs have memory capabilities that allow them to retain information. 

Short-Term Memory

Dogs have a short-term memory similar to that of a 2- or 3-year-old child, meaning they can recall experiences for up to two minutes. 

This explains your dog’s excitement after your return from a brief absence!

Long-Term Memory 

Dogs can retain information, including the location of hidden items, over extended periods.

There are many instances of dogs remembering their owners and recognizing familiar individuals, places, and animal friends even after several years.

Long-term memory falls into a number of different categories:

Semantic Memory

Semantic memory helps dogs remember things like where they live, the location of their food bowl, and the sound of their owner’s voice.

Episodic Memory 

Episodic memories help dogs store details about specific experiences, like what happened, how it made them feel, and what they saw or heard. 

Procedural Memory

Procedural memory is about remembering how to do things, like learning tricks or completing an agility course. 

This type of memory focuses on motor skills and practicing them till the dog can do them automatically without having to think. 

Associative Memory

When a dog experiences an event paired with a strong emotional response, such as joy, fear, or excitement, their brain makes a connection between the event and how they feel at the time.

So if your dog associates the sound of a doorbell with the thrill of a visitor arriving, he will likely get excited every time he hears the doorbell. 

But for some dogs, the doorbell ringing can be scary.

So they might run away and hide, or bark excessively because they feel threatened by the stranger at the door.

The intensity of the emotions linked to an experience, whether positive or negative, seems to have a big influence on how lasting the memory becomes for the dog.

Spatial Memory

Spatial memory involves the recollection of locations, landmarks, and the layout of an area to help dogs navigate through their environment. 

Dogs use their spatial memory to find their way back to familiar places and remember where they have hidden items. 

The Role Of Scent In Memory

Dogs have an incredible sense of smell that plays a crucial role in their memory. 

Dogs’ olfactory bulbs, which are responsible for processing scents, are much larger and more complex than those of humans.

This means that dogs can remember scents and associate them with specific experiences or emotions.

The Influence Of Traumatic Experiences On Behavior

When a dog goes through a traumatic event, like abuse or neglect, it can have a deep emotional impact. 

The memory of the event gets tied to the negative feelings the dog had at that time and can have a big effect on how he behaves in the future.

So if a dog has been treated badly in the past, he may become fearful or even aggressive in similar situations later on. 

The memory of the bad experience triggers the same scared or defensive reaction.

Some dogs might try to avoid certain situations or become quite submissive, rolling over and exposing their belly with their tail tucked.

Again, dogs who respond like this might have learned that certain actions lead to punishment or harm, so they try to avoid triggering those consequences at all costs.

This is often misunderstood when dog owners come home to find damage like chewed carpets or a torn sofa, and assume their dog ‘knows’ he is ‘guilty. 

In reality, the dog is not expressing guilt but rather showing signs of fear or anxiety, likely stemming from past experiences of reprimand.

Single-Event Learning

Single-event learning happens when dogs learn from a singular, often distressing, event. 

Say a dog has experienced a past traumatic event, like a sudden firework exploding outside when he was in a deep sleep, or a tall man with a beard wearing a red baseball cap has physically hurt him.

The dog will rapidly form a strong and lasting negative association between the scary event and the real sense of danger or fear he felt at the time. 

This can have a profound impact on his behavior for life, leading to a fearful, anxious, or even aggressive response every time he is exposed to a similar situation.

This type of single-event learning isn’t exclusive to dogs.

It occurs in humans as well. 

For example, if you have a frightening encounter in a dark alley or experience a turbulent flight during a storm, you might feel scared or anxious the next time you find yourself in a similar situation.

Impact Of Negative Early Memories On Behavior

Based on my experience living and working with multiple rescue dogs over the years, I have often seen behaviors rooted in fear or anxiety as a response to a specific trigger.

Here are two real-life examples:

Rescue Dog #1: Louis (Fear And Aggression)

Our Saluki-cross rescue dog Louis spent the first two years of his life chained up to a shack in the desert.

When we first adopted him, he was very wary if you tried to touch him anywhere around his head or neck. 

Especially if he couldn’t see what you were doing.

In the early days before he learned to trust us, he would snap at your hand, often drawing blood, when we tried to clip on his leash.

Rescue Dog #2: Maggie (Anxiety)

Another of our rescue dogs, Pit Bull-Labrador cross Maggie, had been abandoned and rehomed several times before she was 3 years old.

When we first adopted her, Maggie would panic as soon as she realized she was going to be left alone

She would engage in a whole suite of behaviors to try to stop you from leaving the house.

She would mouth at your hand, grab onto your clothing, bag or shoes, or stand in front of the door to try to block your way.

In both cases, Louis’ and Maggie’s behavior suggests that they had learned from their past traumatic experiences,

Their behavior implied that they associated certain actions with unpleasant outcomes, and had tailored their behavior to try to prevent those outcomes from repeating themselves.

Associations With Words

Sometimes, rescue dogs already know certain cues or words, like ‘sit,’ stay,’ and so on.

This tells us that they have retained some memory from prior training sessions.

On the downside, some rescue dogs will have a negative association with certain words, including their own name, if it was used in a punitive way by their previous owners.

Poisoned Cues

Imagine a dog named Max. 

Max’s owner is trying to train Max to come back promptly when called.

Unfortunately, the owner punishes Max whenever he doesn’t come back immediately when they call his name. 

This punishment could involve scolding, physical punishment, or even a shock from an electric collar.

Note: Electric collars work by inflicting pain and fear. They are harmful to dogs and should never be used for training purposes or any other reason. 

In this scenario, Max will quickly learn to develop a negative association with his name, since it has become associated with punishment rather than something positive like treats or praise.

This is known as a ‘poisoned cue,’ where a previously neutral word or action becomes associated with something unpleasant.

So what does Max do?

He just doesn’t come back when his owner calls him because he is scared of the consequences and wants to protect himself from being hurt.

Impact Of Positive Early Memories On Behavior

A rescue dog’s early socialization experiences play a crucial role in shaping his overall behavior.

Dogs that have limited socialization during their formative weeks (around the age of 3 to 14 weeks old) will not have the chance to develop positive associations with many of the things they will encounter as they go through life. 

But dogs that were exposed to a wide range of people, animals, and environments during their crucial early development stages are more likely to be well-rounded due to the positive associations that were created at the time.

If a rescue dog has missed out on early socialization opportunities, it may take more time and patience to build up positive memories and create positive associations with new experiences.

Rescue Dog #3: Roxy (Excessive Barking)

When we adopted our Shepherd-cross Roxy, she was two years old and had grown up in the shelter.

She had zero life experience, other than the other dogs in the shelter, and the people that worked there.

The first time we brought Roxy home, she barked at everything: her reflection, the shiny floors, the TV, house guests…

She just didn’t know what anything was because she had never had the opportunity to experience the outside world or build positive associations with anything or anyone.

This excessive barking was Roxy’s way of communicating her inexperience and utter distress in this scary, unfamiliar environment.

It took some time for us to replace those initial negative associations with positive ones.

Influence Of Genetics On Memory

Some dog breeds have been selectively bred to have better memories, particularly when it comes to working tasks. 

Breeds that excel in working tasks such as herding or tracking often possess strong memory skills due to their breeding history and genetics.

Other breeds may not have been bred for these types of tasks and therefore may not possess the same level of memory retention.

However, this does not mean that all dogs within a certain breed will have the same memory abilities, as each dog is an individual with their own unique experiences and personality.

Recognizing Rescue Dog Memories

A rescue dog will often display certain behavioral cues that indicate he may be recalling some sort of memory from his past. 

These cues can vary from subtle to more pronounced.

Emotional Responses

As we have already seen, one of the key indicators of memory recall is an emotional response. 

A rescue dog may exhibit fear, anxiety, aggression, or even excitement in specific situations or when faced with certain triggers. 

Unusual Reactions

Pay attention to any unusual reactions your dog may have towards specific people, objects, or environments. 

These types of reactions could signify a memory association with a past event. 

For example, a shelter dog that cowers or trembles when approached by someone wearing a hat may have had a negative experience with someone wearing similar headgear in the past.

I was once at the dog park with three of my rescue dogs (which wasn’t a good idea by the way, because they hated it and stuck to my side the entire time).

There was a lady there who was wearing a black felt hat.

All three dogs barked at her whenever she came anywhere close to us.

I don’t know if they had never seen a black felt hat before, or if they associated it with something negative from their past.

Either way, it was a clear indication that they were not keen on the hat.

Changes In Behavior

Memory recall can also manifest as changes in a rescue dog’s behavior. 

A dog may suddenly become more aggressive, withdrawn, or exhibit obsessive behaviors. 

These changes can be a result of memories resurfacing and affecting their emotional state.

Body Language

Dogs tell us everything we need to know through their body language.

Positive Body Language

Positive body language often includes a loosely rotating wagging tail, relaxed body posture and facial expressions. 

Dogs displaying these types of signals are likely feeling happy and friendly.

Negative Body Language

Signs of fear, stress, or anxiety include a tucked tail, raised hackles, pinned-back ears, and avoidance behaviors. 

Growling, baring teeth, or a stiffened posture usually indicate a dog is feeling threatened and may be preparing to defend himself.

In which case, it is best to respect his warning and give him some space.

Creating A Supportive Environment For Your Rescue Dog

If you have noticed some negative emotional responses in your dog and are trying to understand what is going on, the first thing to do is to find out what is making him react that way.

Identify Triggers

Triggers can be anything from a certain noise or smell to a specific location or object. 

Take note of any particular stimuli that elicit strong reactions in your rescue dog. 

It could be a certain sound, a certain scent, or even a specific type of person. 

For example, if your rescue dog becomes anxious and starts pacing whenever he hears the beep when you turn on the air conditioning, this could suggest he has a negative memory associated with that particular sound.

This might be a shock collar, or some other aversive device designed to cause pain and fear.

By identifying your dog’s triggers, you can manage his exposure and create a more comfortable environment for him.

Create Positive Associations

While some triggers may evoke negative emotions, it is essential to focus on creating positive associations with new experiences. 

Desensitization and counter conditioning are two effective techniques used in dog training to modify behaviors and help dogs overcome fears, anxieties, or phobias. 

Let’s break them down:

Desensitization

This technique involves gradually exposing a dog to a stimulus that triggers fear or anxiety in a controlled and gradual manner. 

The goal is to reduce the dog’s sensitivity to the stimulus over time. 

For example, if your dog is afraid of loud noises, such as fireworks, desensitization would involve exposing him to low-level sounds initially and gradually increasing the volume over time. 

This process helps him become more comfortable and less reactive to the triggering stimulus.

Counter Conditioning 

Counter conditioning is a method that pairs the feared or anxiety-inducing stimulus with something positive or enjoyable for the dog. 

The aim is to change the dog’s emotional response from fear or anxiety to a positive association. 

For instance, if your dog is afraid of strangers, counter conditioning may involve having unfamiliar people offer treats or play with the dog, creating positive experiences that help to alleviate the fear.

By associating positive experiences with previously triggering stimuli, you can help your rescue dog replace negative memories with new positive ones.

Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is a scientifically sound method of training that involves rewarding dogs with treats, praise, or attention when they display behaviors the owner wants to encourage.

Positive reinforcement training is particularly helpful in building trust and establishing a bond between you and your dog. 

It also provides a safe space for your dog to try out new behaviors as he will quickly learn that nothing ‘bad’ will happen if he gets something wrong.  

It also engages your dog’s thinking brain as he tries to figure out what is going to earn him his next reward.

When the rational brain is in use, the emotional brain becomes inhibited, promoting an overall state of calm. 

In cases where a dog has previously experienced trauma, this can be particularly beneficial. 

Mental Stimulation

In addition to training, providing mental challenges in the form of food puzzle toys or interactive games can also help keep your rescue dog’s mind active.

Again, the more your dog is using his brain to problem solve, the less likely he is to be scared, anxious, or stressed.

It also creates a positive avenue for your dog to release energy and express natural instincts, such as hunting and scavenging.

Proper Exercise

Physical exercise is essential for all dogs, including rescue dogs. 

However, it’s important to tailor the type and intensity of exercise to your individual dog’s needs.

High-energy breeds may require more vigorous exercise, such as running or playing fetch, while smaller or senior dogs may benefit from shorter walks or gentle play sessions. 

Regular exercise not only helps keep your dog physically healthy but can also improve his mental well-being by releasing feel-good hormones and reducing stress.

Provide A Secure And Familiar Environment

Rescue dogs may have come from unstable or unpredictable environments, so it’s important to provide your pup with a secure and familiar space in your home.

If he feels safe, then he will be able to relax.

Consistency is also key.

Try to stick to the same schedule for meals, walks, and playtime as this will help your dog feel in control of his environment and, consequently, less stressed.

Seek Professional Help

In some cases, a rescue dog may require professional help to overcome his past traumas.

If you are struggling to create a supportive environment for your canine friend or if his reactions continue to escalate, do not hesitate to find a certified dog trainer or behavior specialist.

They will be able to help identify the root cause of your dog’s triggers and provide guidance on how to manage them kindly and effectively.

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Resources

• Recall of Others’ Actions after Incidental Encoding Reveals Episodic-like Memory in Dogs – Claudia Fugazza, Ákos Pogány, & Ádám Miklósi

NEED A DOG TRAINER OR BEHAVIOR EXPERT?

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GOOD PLACES TO START ARE:
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- Pet Dog Trainers of Europe
- International Companion Animal Network
- Institute of Modern Dog Trainers
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