Can dogs tell time? They have many talents that surprise their owners, and there are many things we still do not know about a canine’s abilities. The things we do know are fascinating and make these loving companions even more special.
If your dog has ever run to the food bowl just before your scheduled feeding time, you may have wondered if they know what time it is. Keep reading to learn more about your pet’s internal clock and how it relates to the human method of time tracking:
Dogs Can Tell Time…In Their Own Way
A recent study by Northwestern University’s Department of Neurobiology found that certain neurons in a dog’s brain activate when the animal is waiting for something. The study (which looked at mice) found that the animals had a particular set of neurons firing while performing an activity and a whole other set while waiting for a particular outcome. While the researchers did not look specifically at canines, they made the connection that a dog’s brain would function similarly. This could explain how dogs are so adept when waiting for a meal or for their human to come home from work.
Time-Telling Patterns
Dogs learn through repetition; the same goes for their ability to interact with time. Their understanding of time relates to a series of patterns and routines. While they don’t understand the passing of seconds and minutes, they have an internal awareness of the abstract version of time passing. They use their senses (specifically hearing and smell) to detect changes that could indicate a new period of time.
Biological Clock in Dogs
The canine body has its own circadian rhythm, which helps keep their body functioning properly over a 24-hour period. Like in the human body, external factors like sunlight and darkness can impact this rhythm. This sets up a daily pattern they can follow, which dictates things like waking hours and feeding times. Their circadian rhythm can also get them used to certain repeating patterns throughout the day. This can include walk times or even when you are going to leave for work.
The Canine Memory
Dogs have episodic memories, which let them create an orientation to things like time. While they can’t remember the same way humans can, they can use their senses to form a recollection of events from the past. They can remember certain scents, which can build a connection to places or people. Some experts even think they can gauge time by how much a scent has faded, like knowing when you are about to come home from work because of how much of your scent is lingering.
Can dogs tell time? We can’t say for sure, but they definitely have special senses to know exactly what should be happening at specific times of the day.
At Union Lake Pet Services, we work hard to truly understand dogs and their unique behaviors. From training to daycare, you can be sure that we have a true understanding of your dog and his or her needs. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment for your pet, please call (248) 363-6262