People often believe dogs live solely in the moment, because of their apparent lack of rumination (that we experience as humans), their keen engagement with immediate sensory experiences, and what many people view as being forgiving or not holding grudges. This perception is further fueled by a historical view of dogs having simpler cognitive processes than humans. Us humans tend to idealise the notion of being free from past regrets or future anxieties, romanticising the idea that dogs solely inhabit the present moment, not worrying about yesterday. But is this truly the case, or is this a generalisation we need to look past?
Dogs are incredibly complex beings whose pasts and even their ancestors’ experiences can profoundly shape their “now.”
Past trauma leaves scars (metaphorical, sometimes physical): dogs who have experienced past trauma – like abuse, neglect, or even a single scary event – carry those scars. A loud noise might trigger a fear response in a dog rescued from a loud environment, or a raised hand could evoke fear in one who had received physical abuse. Their past isn’t just “over”; it’s a deeply ingrained part of their present reactions and coping mechanisms.
Rescue dogs: many rescue dogs, by their very nature, come with a history. They might display anxiety around new people, fear of confined spaces, or guard resources if they were sparce before. Their journeys many rescue dogs go on towards building their trust, is a testament to how deeply past experiences can influence their behavior and emotional state long after the event itself.
Inherited fear & genetic predispositions: research shows that some anxieties and fear responses can even be passed down genetically from parent dogs to their offspring, and in the generations well beyond. This means a puppy born into a loving home might still exhibit certain fears that aren’t a result of their direct experience.
Anticipation and expectations: even everyday canine life demonstrates future-thinking. The dogs that show a response to the word “walk”, the excited barks before mealtime, or the way they know when it’s almost time for their favourite human to come home – these are all clear signs of anticipation and an understanding of predictable routines, outside of a single moment.
Dogs learn, a lot: they remember cues, where the treats and toys are in the house, which humans are safe, what the doorbell means, and which routes lead to their favourite places. Their ability to learn and form deep bonds relies entirely on their capacity to recall and integrate past information.
So, while dogs can certainly teach us a lot about joy and presence, let’s also acknowledge the intricate ways their pasts – and even their genetic lineage – shape their present realities. Understanding this can help us be even more empathetic and effective guardians for our furry family members.
Know Your Dog 