Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

How Long Will It Take a Dog to Forget You? Facts & FAQ

dog hugging owner

If you’ve ever gone on a prolonged trip, you might be worried about your dog forgetting you. Dog memory is pretty complex, but when it comes to remembering people, it’s simple. If your dog is close to you, they won’t forget you.

Even if your dog has a happy relationship with a new owner, they will still recognize and remember you. As for other people in a dog’s life, once a dog starts building up happy associations with someone, they’ll be a part of the dog’s memory too.

dogster face divider

Do Dogs Have Long-Term and Short-Term Memory?

Like humans, dogs have long-term memory and short-term memory. Short-term memory is your dog’s working memory—that’s how they stay focused on a task. If something distracts a dog for 30 seconds to a minute, they’re distracted for good. That’s why you can’t punish a dog for misbehavior after the fact—your dog probably doesn’t even recognize that they ruined your couch.

But even though your dog lives in the moment, they do learn over time. Dogs file away things that they learn into long-term memory. Usually, these things are essentially “rules of life”—like when you grab the leash a fun walk will follow, or that a certain road trip leads to the vet. Dogs can remember these rules about people too. If someone is kind or abusive to a dog, dogs will recognize and remember that, and the more time you spend together, the stronger that long-term memory is.

labradoodle dog and woman owner at the park
Image by: Lopolo, Shutterstock

How Do Dogs Recognize People?

Another part of memory is being able to recognize people. Dogs mostly use two senses to recognize people—sight and scent. They remember each person’s unique smell, and that, combined with the way that they look, helps them recognize people. If it’s been weeks, months, or years, your dog might struggle to recognize you because your appearance and scent have changed. It’s the same thing when you’re coming back from a long vacation—your dog might take a minute to recognize you because you have strange scents that are getting in the way.

Can a Dog Ever Forget a Person?

Because dogs remember through association, if you have a positive or negative relationship with a dog, the memory is likely to last. That means that you could run into a dog years later and be recognized by the dog if your scent and appearance aren’t too different. But dogs don’t seem to actively miss their old owners for long—within a few weeks to a few months, they’ve made new long-term memories about the new people in their lives.

dog owner using laptop
Image by: SpeedKingz, Shutterstock

dogster face divider

Final Thoughts

Changing owners can be traumatic, but luckily the trauma is short-lived. If you ever wonder if your dog still remembers you, don’t worry. They will remember you and even recognize you, but that doesn’t mean that they are stuck in the past. Dogs are very good at living in the present, and before long they’ll be making space in their hearts for a new owner too.

See Also:


Featured Image Credit: Bogdan Sonjachnyj, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Saint Bermastiff (English Mastiff St Bernard Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More

Every dog breed has unique personality traits that make them stand out from the rest. So when picking your canine companion, you must...

10 Best Shampoo for Cocker Spaniels In 2025: Reviews & Top Picks

When keeping your dog clean, the usual brushing and bathing are essential. However, bathing takes on a more significant meaning if you own...

My Dog Stepped on Glass, What Should I Do? 5 Vet-Approved Steps

If your dog stepped on glass and has injured their paw pad, we recommend consulting a veterinarian before taking any action mentioned in...

Organ Meat for Dogs: Vet-Verified Safety & Preparation Tips 

Organ meats from animals that are raised properly and safely, such as farmed chickens, turkeys, ducks, cows, and sheep, can be a healthy...

More related

Turning My Messy Drinker Into a Self-Watering Masterpiece (with Video)

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my five funny dogs, Poppy, Bailey, Kodah, Ned, and Fred....

Why Is My Dog Scared of Car Rides? 5 Vet-Verified Causes & How to Help

I’m quite fortunate that my dog, Tula, enjoys getting in the car. At least, she enjoys getting out of the car and running...

How to Get Pet Pee Smell Out of a Leather Couch: 5 Possible Ways

Have you ever sat down on your couch to relax after a long, hard day and been hit with a whiff of pee...

8 Dog Smoothie Recipes Your Pup Can Enjoy Today

Dogs are omnivores that can enjoy many of the same fruits and vegetables that humans can eat. There are many potential benefits to...

Keep reading

Merrick vs. Wellness Dog Food: Our 2025 In-Depth Comparison

With so many different dog food brands and recipes out there, it can be challenging trying to find the right food for your pup. The good news is that if you’ve narrowed it down to Merrick and Wellness, you’re looking...

Dogster_Dog Food Merrick VS Wellness

Can Dogs Eat Cherries? Vet-Verified Facts & Considerations

You’re reading this for one of two reasons: Either your dog scarfed down a few cherries, or you’re looking to add fresh foods to their diet. So can dogs eat cherries? The good news is that yes, your dog can...

Can Dogs Eat_cherries

Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

Many dog owners often wonder, “Can dogs eat oatmeal?” And the answer is yes! Most dogs can absolutely eat oatmeal in moderation. However, like any other human food, certain rules apply. So, let’s go on an informative journey to understand...

Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal

Can Dogs Eat Smoked Salmon? Vet-Approved Benefits & Risks

If your dog tends to eat fish, you may wonder if human delicacies, such as smoked salmon, are suitable for your furry friend. Salmon has many benefits and is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids for humans...

Can Dogs Eat Smoked Salmon

Can Dogs Eat Walnuts? Vet-Verified Facts & Safety Tips

Dogs can eat many foods that humans eat, and you can enjoy sharing a variety of snacks with your dog. However, in most cases, dogs should refrain from eating nuts and seeds, including walnuts. While walnuts in themselves aren’t toxic...

Can Dogs Eat Walnuts

Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter Crackers? Vet-Approved Facts

Dogs love food and they don’t seem to be too discerning when it comes to what they chow down on. Most owners have wondered at some point if their dog has eaten something that they shouldn’t have. So what is...

Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter Crackers

10 Best Foods for Golden Retriever Puppies in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Congratulations on getting your Golden Retriever puppy! You are now one of 69 million American households 1 that have welcomed a dog into their lives. Of course, choosing the right food for your pup is a significant decision. A look...

Golden retriever puppy sitting on bowl

Can Dogs Eat Chives? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

If you love to cook, chances are your kitchen is stocked with many of the basic ingredients you need for your favorite recipes. Vegetables and herbs from the Allium (onion) family, including chives, are among the most common seasonings used...

Can Dogs Eat_Chives