Humans like to refer to the most memorable moments in their lives as “core memories”. But do dogs have core memories, too?

What are “core memories”?

Core memories are the most crucial moments in a person’s life. These are character-defining moments that folks look back to often. Core memories can be positive or negative, but most people are influenced by good memories. 

Think back on the best (or worst) moments of your life. It could be the day you married your soulmate or gave birth to your first child. Even less significant moments can become core memories. A sunset picnic, driving in the car with friends, and a delicious meal can all be core memories. 

You might also have a few meloncholy core memories in your arsenal. The death of a loved one, losing a competition, or a break-up with an ex can all be core moments. 

There’s no key definition for what makes a core memory different from a regular memory. It’s completely up to the individual. If the moment is special enough to the person, it’ll just stick in their mind for a lifetime. 

The term “core memories” originated from the Pixar animated film Inside Out. The film surrounds a pre-teen girl named Riley and the emotions that run her mind. Riley has her own core memories as each person does. Her own core moments include scoring a hockey goal, being silly with her best friend, and hanging out with her mom and dad. 

Inside Out’s popularity has led to people adopting the term “core memory” to describe the most crucial moments in their lives. We know humans experience this phenomenon. But do dogs have core memories? 

Episodic vs. Associative Memories in Dogs 

A dog’s memory works quite differently from a human’s. Dogs experience associative memories, which means they remember things based on association. Humans, on the other hand, have episodic memory which means they can store and remember specific events. 

It’s easy to notice associative memories in your dog. Your pup may get excited when you put on your sneakers. If you wear these sneakers on walks with your dog, your pup may associate the memory of your shoes with walks. That’s why they may get rowdy when you wear those specific shoes.

Associative memory in dogs can also be negative. If your pup gets anxious in the car, they may be remembering an unpleasant experience. This could be simply getting a shot at the vet’s office or going to the groomer.

A study shows that the memories dogs choose to store are more related to survival than anything else. They might specifically remember the scent of people who gave them treats. Dogs can even associate memories with specific times of the day. This might be why your dog knows it’s time for their next meal before you do. 

Do dogs have core memories?

If they have associate memory, do dogs have core memories, too? The answer is probably not. Dogs can have good and bad memories that stick with them forever, but they aren’t quite the same as core memories.

One thing we know for sure about dog’s memories is that they live very presently. Dogs don’t dwell on the past unless something in their environment is associated with it. Their mindfulness is one of the secrets to why dog’s are so happy all the time. 

If you find yourself dwelling on core memories too often, try to adopt the mindset of a dog. Take a walk without your headphones and notice the beauty around you in the eyes of your pup. Don’t take life too seriously and learn to take a moment to be playful every day. 

Can you change a dog’s negative memory to a positive one?

Negative associations with memories aren’t set in stone forever. With effort, you can replace the bad experiences with good ones. 

Make good memories in the car with trips to get treats or to the dog park. Acknowledge your dog when they feeling anxious and try to calm them down with cuddle, treats, and playtime. 

Try your best to relate to how your dog is feeling when you notice them experiencing fear or anxiety. Dogs are sensitive creatures that respond to empathy. Showing your dog love when they aren’t feeling their best can make a difference in whether a memory will be positive or negative.