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The Reason Why Your Dog Gets Excited Every Time You Open the Door

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An ornate door handle with a dog excited at the door.

Dogs are known for being extremely loyal, loving and trusting. But when it comes to memory, they come up on the short end of the stick.

Researchers at Stockholm University and Brooklyn College examined 25 species — from chimps to birds and bees — to study their memory. The team conducted more than 90 experiments and found that on average, animals can, on average,  remember something for 27 seconds, National Geographic reports.

Dogs scored much higher on the spectrum, with a memory duration hovering around two minutes, or 120 seconds. This finding explains why dogs get so excited when you open the door and return home, even if you just ran out to grab the mail.

Related: Having a Dog May Reduce a Child’s Risk of Developing Asthma

The researchers used visual tools to test memory. For instance, the animal was shown a red circle, then it is put away and after a certain amount of time reappears with another visual item, like a blue square. To be rewarded (usually in the form of food), the animal has to select the correct original image.

Humans, on the other hand, can remember something for at least 48 hours.

But does that mean man’s best friend forgets his owner after two minutes? No. While this test examined short-term memory, there is a different type of recollection occurring when it comes to pack order. It is called associative memory and allows dogs to remember repeated events (including people).

This allows dogs to remember tricks, where to find food and the fact she loves to go on walks. It can also be used to signal “danger,” like if getting out a carrier means it is time to go to the vet.

This sort of memory can stay with a dog for a very long time, even a lifetime. So have no worries, your dog will always love you.

Related: Gazing Into Your Dog’s Eyes Helps the Two of You Bond

Image via Flickr/Jeff Stanford

By Andrea Huspeni

Andrea Huspeni is the founder and CEO of This Dog's Life. Her mission it to help dogs live a happier, healthier and longer life. When she isn't working, she spends time with her two dogs, Lola and Milo. She resides in Brooklyn, NY.

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