2007-12-06 07:04:33 · 14 answers · asked by Pamela 5 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Yes, they have memories too.
And are grateful to the person who gives them a good life... more so than a dog that has never known the difference.
Hope That Helped You
H.O.T. Dog
Handler Owner Trainer of GSD's
2007-12-06 07:12:53 · answer #1 · answered by H.O.T. Dog 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Although dogs "live in the moment", they also are imprinted by past experiences. For example, your rescued pet may feel more stressed in a boarding kennel environment than other dogs (if they were stressed while at the shelter). They may also have food guarding issues, if they were hungry before they landed at the shelter, be afraid of people (if they were not well-socialized as young dogs, etc.)
2007-12-06 07:14:05 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It probably depends on how old they were. Our dog came from the shelter at 6 months, and I'm sure she remembers--she acts like she's grateful, even after 5 1/2 years. She had been abused, and now she lets us live with her.
2007-12-06 07:28:49 · answer #3 · answered by cross-stitch kelly 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think so! We have a rescue, Daisy, and she always seems much more grateful for things than our other dog! Our other dog (I love them both equally, but I'm just saying, haha) seems to take things a lot more for granted, Daisy is just happy to be here! I think it influences some of their behaviors. When we first brought her home, Daisy was very dominant and territorial, and hated other dogs, but now shes the sweetest thing ever. That is just proof that any dog can be worked with and behaviors can be reversed!
2007-12-06 12:38:31 · answer #4 · answered by SRM 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We rescued a 12 year old Mini Schnauzer whose "family" had dumped her at the shelter after having her for her whole life.
She hated hated HATED being in the car for about the first month that we had her, until she realized that even if we left her somewhere, we always ALWAYS came back for her. And we would tell her that every time.
So yes, I think they remember. Not necessarily in the same way that we do, but I think they remember associations of noises or cars or places with "being bad or unsafe".
2007-12-06 07:09:42 · answer #5 · answered by Nandina (Bunny Slipper Goddess) 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes and no. Some of the past experiences may influence the dog actual behaviour. On the other hand, they are savvy enough as to enjoy having a happy life in their new homes.
2007-12-06 07:10:30 · answer #6 · answered by gigi 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely. The two I adopted who lived on the streets and were starving have grinned at me every morning with the realization that they will never be hungry or cold again.
2007-12-06 10:53:13 · answer #7 · answered by anne b 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't know if they remember but our rescue dog hates going to a house that she does not know. She is fine with my mother or mother in law but if I take with me to visit someone she does not know she is constantly fidgeting and whining. Good as gold at home settled and quiet and I have her her for twelve years now.
2007-12-06 07:16:25 · answer #8 · answered by Betti N 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's all in my head, but my rescue seems to be more "grateful" for things than my other dog. He is gentle with toys, "thanks" me for food, etc. Negative effects... he seems to also be much more possessive of bones and treats with my other dog, almost as if he's scared to lose it. So in answer, yeah, I think that they remember things were not so great then and now things are good. I don't think they remember details or anything, but just that life is better now. THANKS FOR RESCUING!
2007-12-06 07:38:56 · answer #9 · answered by Lisa B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they ever had to go without food, they definitely remember that. You'll see that dogs that were starved, will often gobble down food quickly, despite availability.
Dogs that were abandoned, may have separation issues, and will be worried every time you leave him/her, and jumping for joy whenever you return.
2007-12-06 07:08:44 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋