Have you ever noticed how your dog appears to know exactly when it is time for a walk, time for a meal, and time for when you will be arriving back home? This is one of the most frequently asked questions by pet parents on our website, at mybestie.gr. Do dogs actually know what time it is like we do? The short answer is no. Dogs do not know what time it is like humans do. However, this does not mean they do not know about time. To the contrary, dogs have their very own unique way of knowing time.

Dogs can feel time?

Humans measure time by counting seconds, minutes, and hours. Dogs measure time by recognizing patterns and routines. Their sense of time is not numerical. Your dog does not know what time it is. It is not aware of whether it is 6:00 PM. However, your dog knows that after a series of events occur, such as changes in lighting and sounds, it is time to have dinner.

The power of routine

Dogs are creatures of habit. When something occurs on a regular basis at a regular time of day, your dog will begin to expect that event to happen at that regular time of day. This is why your dog sits by the door before you even think about grabbing the leash. Routine gives your dog a sense of a structured world, which makes them feel secure and in control. When routine is disrupted, your pet can become perplexed or even stressed.

Can dogs understand how long you’ve been gone?

This question seems to be a topic of great debate, and opinions on the answer are highly varied. Although your pet does not understand the difference between two hours and five hours, research indicates that a dog can tell whether you’ve been gone for a short or long time. This can be explained by the fact that your smell disappears over a period of time after you leave the house, and your pet uses this as a way of gauging how long you’ve been gone. The weaker your smell, the longer you’ve been gone.

Why dogs get so excited when you return

Have you ever observed that your dog is as excited to see you whether you have been away for 10 minutes or 5 hours? It is because dogs are living in the present moment. Even though they are probably aware that some amount of time has elapsed, to them, your return is simply a moment of pure joy... every single time.

Do dogs experience time slower than humans?

There are some research findings that suggest that animals, including dogs, may experience time slightly differently due to their faster metabolism and sensory systems. This might make their world feel more "detailed" for short periods of time. Perhaps this is the reason that even a short play session means so much to them. While they may not comprehend hours and minutes, they are highly attuned to the rhythm of life. Through routine, smell, and observation, they develop a sense of predictability that guides them through the world.

So, the next time your dog appears to “know” something is about to happen, don’t attribute it to magic. It’s really just instinct, intellect, and a strong connection with their surroundings (and you)!