Do dog's think? Do dog's remember?

Question

Well I've been told that they don't. Or do they remember? I've heard yes & no. I go into the kitchen and I see that see has gone into the trash! If I don't say anything she doesnt react. But if I say her name while in the kitchen she runs outside as if she knows she did something wrong. Now for remembering, if they remember commands, like sit, stay, up open, up light. Then they must remember that going in the trash is wrong, or do you think like I think, she thinks to herself, hum he's gonna yell at me send me outside for awhile then he'll forget. I think I'll go in the trash anyways. I can handle the consequences. I don't think they think like that but I don't know.

Answer 1

Of course they do both!!!

Answer 2

Yes, dogs think and remember. My dog used to wait until I walked out the door and then run straight to the trash. When I came home, she would not let me past the door because she knew she was in trouble. Once I came back in and caught her in the act. She just froze with a hamburger wrapper in her mouth and stood like that until I left - it was quite funny!

I tried putting the trash can in the bathroom next to the kitchen and close the door - that is how I found out she could open doors!

Answer 3

Dogs do not think in the sense that they can problem solve. They remember and that is how they learn. They remember that when they obey a command they get praise that they like. They remember when they tip over the trash they get scolded which they do not like, this they remember and learn.

Answer 4

I believe dogs think, remember, and feel. They probably don't do these things exactly like we (humans) do, but that is OK. We can train dogs to do tricks, we can train them not to rummage through the garbage, but we also need to remember they are dogs and they need to do dog things to remain healthy. Regarding the trash, sometimes dogs do things they know they are not supposed to, to get the attention of their people. Dogs are not stupid, and they are excellent communicators, we just need to learn how to listen to their communication. Your dog may be telling you that she wants some more of your attention by doing this, she may just like to go through the garbage, or maybe she just wants to be let out side and going through the garbage is the quickest way she can get her wish. If you are interested in dogs and some of their behavior's a good book to read would be "How Dogs Think" by Stanley Coren.

Answer 5

I think your dog things more than you do. She goes in the trash coz she likes to and the moment you show up on the scene she will get scared as hell. And yes they remember, it usually takes them a couple of years to completely forget somethings just like humans. What breed is your dog anyway?

Answer 6

yes they remember, but not much with disclipline. the only way to prevent them going in the trash is to never let it happen, by putting it up high, in a drawer etc. (im talking about the trash)

Answer 7

^
Dave knows NOTHING about dogs...

Dogs CAN problem solve! My shih tzu does it all the time! She figures ways to get out if the door is closed, she scratches when we shut her out of the bedroom, she barks when she wants something she can't reach, even if we aren't in the room....

For someone that's owned dogs for claiming 50 years.. he's not too observant...

Answer 8

Of course they do. If dogs didnt think or remeber anything, how did you thiink dogs got to survive on earth.

Answer 9

Yes, they think and remember. Dogs have been known to get lost, or maybe even "dumped" in the woods or something, and find their way back home. :)

Answer 10

Only a person who doesn't understand dogs would say they don't think or remember. Mine dreams in her sleep and her little feet run. I think she's chasing rabbits. lol.
You have to think AND remember to dream. Right?

Answer 11

My dogs definately think and remember. My two year old dog plays with his kong toy, and when he's done leaves it wherever. When we want to play we tell him to get his toy and he goes right to get it. he also knows my kids names. If I tell him to go get whoever, he goes right to her bedroom door!