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Dogs have an impressive capacity for understanding time intervals, which is largely attributed to their keen sense of smell. Unlike humans who primarily rely on visual and auditory cues, dogs use their highly developed olfactory capabilities to perceive changes in their environment over time. This ability allows them to detect the fading scent trails left behind by their owners, enabling them to anticipate the moment of return with remarkable accuracy.
Studies suggest that this time-sensing skill is linked to their innate circadian rhythms, which guide their daily activities in sync with natural light cycles. As a dog owner, understanding this temporal perception can enhance the bond between you and your furry friend, allowing for more effective training routines and better anticipation of their needs throughout the day.
So basically, dogs can smell our scent when we leave the house. The longer you stay in one place in your house, your scent gets stronger in that room. And if you leave, your scent fades. Dogs use this valuable scent-sensory information to gather environmental cues to how long you’ve been gone and when you might be returning. Essentially, they can smell you before you get home, and your scent gets stronger to them as you approach the door.
Now you might be wondering why your dog needs to know when you’re coming home. Well, it gives them reassurance. They are depending on you for food, love and care. If your dog goes to sleep right when you get in the door, even though you might want to play with them. Take it as a sign your dog is relaxed and happy now that you have returned, they can settle. They feel that they have completed their “job” of watching the house, and now they are able to relax. But if you’ve been watching your pet cam while out, and notice your dog does sleep while your away, be prepared to come home to a bundle of energy!
So, what did we learn today – we learned that your dog could smell how long you were sitting still or moving for, and they use this scent-sensory for environmental cues. We also learned that some dogs don’t sleep well when their owners are away, because they are “working” at guarding the home. In contrast, other dogs sleep while their owners are away and are ready to greet them with a bundle of energy to play!
References
https://www.petmd.com/dog/behavior/do-dogs-have-sense-time
https://bondvet.com/b/do-dogs-have-a-sense-of-time