For some strange reason, the lyrics to “The Way We Were” have been playing over and over in my mind lately. Not in an obnoxious way like some songs do butĀ no matter what, I can’t seem to purgeĀ them from my memory banks. It was just subtle enough to make me wonder about how memories work for dogs.
Dogs don’t have much in the way of short-term memory (in Sam’s case, this didn’t come as any big shock to me). I’ve been putting Calendula gel on Sam’s wound and on the IV insertion point to help the healing process. He despises this daily routine (even though it has made a significant improvement) and it’s been enough of a stimulus to trigger a flight response every time I open any tube or jar..be it hand cream for myself, or whatever. He slinksĀ away quietly and tries to make himself invisible. And yet, he conveniently ‘forgets’ and triesĀ to lick at it every opportunity he can, regardless of how many times I correct him. A recent Stockholm University study found that while dogs do have short-term memory, it can be forgotten in a manner of moments (this underscoresĀ a lot where Sam is concerned). Dogs have specialized memories which last much longer and Ā allow them to remember such things as their owners, yet a passerby could be greeted in neutral terms (unless they become a frequent visitor) and will likely be forgotten quickly. I’m still trying to figure out why Sam does not put 2 + 2 together when it comes to the mailman but that’s a whole ‘nutter’ topic and might have something to do with people wearing uniforms because he’s has the same reaction to the UPS delivery guy as well (clearly that guy must also be a serial killer).
While dogs are able to ‘remember’ things, they do it in a different way. Uprights recall personal memories through episodic memory. Simply put, episodic memory isĀ the collection of past personal experiences that occurred at a particular time and place. This is where we basically travel back in time to recall an experience. Dogs don’t have that same process-theirs is associative. Just like putting your shoes and jacket on before taking your pet for a walk, he will become excited whenever you do so because he associates that behavior with the event of going for a walk. It’s the same scenario if the catalystĀ is the evil vacuum cleaner. Try to recall the first time you brought out the vacuum. Your pup may have gone upĀ to investigate and take a sniff at it. As soon as you turned it on and the infernal racket freaked the dogĀ out, that association colors every other subsequent episode when you drag out the vacuum in the mind of your pup.
You can try to changeĀ that associationĀ however the stronger it is, the more difficult it will be. The best way is to try to take steps that create new positive associations. I know, easier said than done but worth a try, right? Till then, looks like those memories will light up the corners of my mind…now if I couldn’t only get Ms. Streisand to Ā vacate the premises. Maybe I should listen to a different genre of music to replace the monotonous repetition of thoseĀ lyrics and create a new association that isn’t so mind-numbing. Any suggestions?
Live, love, bark! <3
My gang has a memory for certain things. I heard that cream works wonders on sores. Should really get some to keep on hand.
Since using it on Sam’s wound, I’ve been blown away. Even with the popped stitches, minimal scarring. Yay! š
Bentley and Pierre seem to remember that every time the UPS man comes, whatever he brings MUST be for them. BOL!
Personally, I like “Quentin’s Theme” or “As Time Goes By” but they don’t stay around for long. What drives me nuts is the music from “The Longest Day”!
And the more “Frozen.” If I hear that song one more time, I’m sure I’ll be arrested for what I end up doing!
I love your posts, and this was quite educational.
I always get “ear worms” the technical term for a song getting stuck in your head.
I’ve heard and tried singing the theme song to Gilligan’s Island will rid you of the song in your head. It helps a lot! But who wants to listen to me hum the theme song all day. š
Thank you, Bonnie! I’ve heard about that strategy too and tried it…once. It took over 6 weeks to get rid of the ‘solution’ from the recesses of my mind! Haha
ššš
….I had a perfect song for you….but I forgot!……
š¶Sing it to me! š¶
I wonder if it is the vehicle that the post person or the delivery person drives. Maybe they belong in the category of evil bicycles, motorcycles and trucks. Sometimes, I suspect our Standard just likes to hear herself bark!
Sam’s not much of a barker, except when the mail or UPS person walks up to the door-then he treats them like a serial killer even though he LOVES the mail lady. Goofy dog!
“Bye, bye, Birdie”?
Ummm, rats, now THAT song is playing in my mind! Guess I should be grateful you didn’t suggest something by ACDC! šµ
Shaking piggy head. Sam oh Sam. We’ve saved our humans from how many serial killers and robbers dressed as postman and UPS men coming to our doors and they still don’t appreciate it, do they? I feel you buddy. You get better soon okay my friend. XOXO – Bacon
Sam here…you’re right Bacon…they DON’T appreciate my vigilance. What’s wrong with uprights? LOL
Talk to Sam and listen very carefully to his advice. š
Now that’s a scary thought! š
You’ll be better soon, S. Meanwhile keep your eyes and ears open for the mailman and other delivery guys. We doggies know they’re wicked evil and we need to protect our families.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
Thanks Cupcake, he’s definitely taken your advice to heart. š
Now I have hope again that Easy will forget the place where he found the rotten oyster once… always when we pass this place he acts like cazy… and I always pray that an oyster never lands at the same place twice… it was horrible to remove this stinking beast from his mouth… and my hands smelled for weeks :o)
Fingers and paws crossed that he totally forgets that spot. š