Do Dogs Live in the Here and Now?

No! In fact, this statement is not only incorrect but also dangerous for both dogs and humans. It’s time to clear this up. But why is it problematic to say that dogs live in the moment? As always, you’ll find out on PunkRockPudel!

Dogs Live in the Moment? Hell no!

My dog Cooper barked at a completely strange Beagle today. He didn’t do anything to her, didn’t move in her direction, and otherwise appeared in no way threatening or aggressive.

So why did Cooper, the sweetest and most sociable dog in the world, have a problem with him? Simply put: Years ago, she was bitten by a Beagle completely without provocation and without warning.

Since then, all representatives of this breed are considered enemies until they prove otherwise.

Is she living in the here and now, as dogs are supposedly supposed to? No. She is actually extremely generalizing and resentful. And what is she with that? Not alone!

Dogs do not sit around – at least not in a way that is recognizable to humans – contemplating the past. However, they do clearly remember the past and base their behavior on their experiences.

Why I hate the Claim „Dogs Live in the Moment”

Because it is yet another widely spread saying that far too many people believe and perpetuate – without ever thinking critically about it.

Also, because this supposed wisdom is simply wrong and dangerous. It leads people to more than just one misconception.

Dogs Live in the Here and Now – the Risks

Dogs live in the moment. That sounds so terribly nice. They forgive mistakes incredibly quickly, adapt immediately to new situations, don’t think back, and are certainly not resentful. Nothing could be further from the truth!

This gives rise to several problems and at least potential dangers. These include:

1. Dogs aren’t consoled.

Why comfort a dog when it will just get over it right away and is living completely in the moment? Consoling dogs is often underestimated or rather completely misjudged. Because comfort can have many positive effects.

If it’s said that consolation and protection aren’t necessary because the dog will forget all negativity anyway – then this important measure isn’t even carried out.

2. The trauma of changes is underestimated.

One of the saddest sentences I’ve ever read was: “Every dog forgets its previous owner after two or three days in a new home.”

This sentence was written by a supposed expert who viewed her dogs purely as sporting equipment. Of course, she convinced herself and everyone else that “dogs live in the here and now,” so humans don’t need to give a second thought to whether they can pass their dog on if they’re not satisfied.

However, this has nothing to do with reality. Dogs do not forget their owners that quickly, nor do they forget what they’ve learned and experienced in their lives.

They also don’t adapt to their new home in just a few days. They don’t even know it’s their new home.

Dogs only know that they are now in a different place and with different people and must once again conform to other rules. Which brings us to the next point:

3. Dog behavior is generalized incorrectly.

Dogs from shelters and rescues are always grateful? Sure, they have it much better in their new home than before!

No, that’s not how it works. Even if people would like to believe that dogs live only in the moment, they need time to adjust. They need many moments to truly settle in and feel comfortable.

The best food, the softest bed, the greatest care: all of that can objectively be light-years better than the concrete floor, cheap dry food, and being alone all the time. In other words, the previous life of this dog.

Nevertheless, no gratitude arises. Or at least not directly. Because dogs simply do not live in the moment. Or at least not only in one moment.

They first need to build trust, mourn for other beings, and are the product of their experiences and character. That’s why some dogs are extremely good at adjusting to new situations while others are not.

4. It denies dogs their individuality.

There are dogs that are quite forgetful. No, I don’t just mean they forget entire meals – after they’ve eaten them. Although that can certainly happen. So make sure to feed your dog well!

There are dogs with incredible memories. Some are resentful, others more anxious, clingy, or submissive. Others are always playful.

Dogs are their own personalities. They are individuals, and just like humans, they react differently to various situations.

When they are labeled as “dogs living in the here and now,” the focus on individuality often falls by the wayside. This can hinder you and your dog, exacerbate problems, or create them in the first place.

5. Humans apply “living in the here and now” arbitrarily.

“He’s doing that on purpose! He knows exactly…! We’ve practiced that so often!”

In these situations, the dog is not expected to live in the current moment but to remember what it has learned.

“He’s been here for three days/weeks now; why hasn’t he settled in and shown gratitude?”

Here, he’s expected to switch gears and live in the moment.

Humans have high expectations of dogs. Many demand far too much from our four-legged friends. The phrase “dogs live in the moment” provides another excuse for why the dog should behave one way today and another tomorrow. After all, the four-legged friends live in the moment – except when they should remember a training session from three years ago.

Dogs Plan Ahead and Remember the Past

Whenever Dobby—adopted from Pudel in Not e.V.—sits in a parked car, he panics. He barks, howls, and screams. He was last locked in a car almost 12 years ago. But despite all attempts, he does not live in the here and now. His memory is too deeply ingrained.

When my dog Cooper wants to take something from others, she calculates and invents. She used to run to the door and bark – until everyone else joined in, and she could calmly devour their food or chew sticks.

When that stopped working, she barked at imaginary dogs outside the window. She had to urgently run past everyone with a squeaky toy, knock over the trash can, and even feigned being an injured dog.

In short: Cooper plans ahead and play acts to achieve her goals.

Neither Dobby nor Cooper are exceptions. They are simply dogs who remember and plan creatively and strategically. Planning is also something that humans like to deny dogs (unless they can attribute malicious intent to it).

They are living proof that dogs do not always live in the here and now. Instead, they may be unable to get over something from the past and look forward to the future – like all intelligent beings with a memory.