There is very little in life more gratifying than your loyal dog greeting you excitedly at the door after a long day of work. Clearly our dogs miss us when we are gone – but do dogs recognize the concept of time?
There is some indication that dogs are aware of the passage of the hours, but not as we would understand it. Here is what experts assume is happening with dogs and their recognition of the time of day.
Every dog owner has stories of how their pet starts to hover around their food dish when it is time to be fed. Or perhaps your dog starts whining and nudging you around the time of your daily walk. Clearly the dog is not looking at the clock and realizing it is time for you to play with them.
In fact, all animals seem to have this instinct to varying degrees. Even dolphins and tigers in captivity begin to circle the area when they know the trainer is due with their food. Experts chalk this up to circadian rhythm.
Circadian Rhythm and the Concept of Time
A circadian rhythm is a natural, internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. These rhythms refer to many biological processes, and repeat every 24 hours. The phenomenon has been identified in humans, plants, animals and even bacteria.
The rhythms control physical, mental and behavioral changes, responding primarily to light and darkness. People sleeping at night (and feeling more sleepy when it is dark) is the classic representation of circadian rhythms.
These rhythms are considered to be the main reason behind your dog knowing exactly when it is time to eat, or time to go out for their walk. Their rhythms have simply adjusted to those specific times and alerts them what behavior is about to occur.
Watching Your Behaviors
Dog experts know that your dog watches your every move. Their response at a specific time may be because they are picking up the subtlest of clues. For instance, if you get up from your desk and walk into your bedroom, they know you are likely to emerge with your sneakers on. Or perhaps when you walk into the pantry at a certain time, they assume food is imminent.
Dogs pick up on behaviors we may not even realize we are doing, such as glancing at the clock several times before the walk. Because they can’t communicate with us verbally, they are masters of observation.
Gone All Day?
Experts vary on this topic. Most agree that while your dog has a limited concept of time, it is just that – limited. Studies have shown that dogs do in fact show more enthusiasm at their owner’s return after two hours than they do after 15 minutes. But once their owner is gone longer than 2 hours, there doesn’t seem to be much of a difference in their reaction. In other words, your dog seems to understand a short term absence, but after a certain point, can’t discern the difference. This should make those who have to be gone all day feel a bit better that your dog is not moping around missing them.
However, dogs should get some exercise throughout the day. Therefore you can help your dog to be more happy and healthy when you are gone by installing a dog door – or even allowing your dog to be outside during the day with toys. Remember that if you leave your dog outside however, be sure they have plenty of shade and adequate water so that they can remain cool.
Of course, dogs love their humans and would prefer to be around people if possible. If you have no choice but to be gone all day, take solace in the fact that your dog is likely not pining away. He will, however, be very happy to see you return.
The professionals at Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training love everything about the Sarasota and Bradenton dogs we work with. If we can help you in any way – from play care to obedience training – give us a call.
