Hey everyone, I’ve been wondering about something after observing my dog’s behavior around meal times. I once used an old-fashioned alarm clock to wake up, and my furry friend seemed to anticipate breakfast down to the minute. Is it possible that dogs can actually tell time, or is it just a clever coincidence?
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While dogs don’t perceive time like humans, they develop a keen internal sense of timing through routines and external signals. Here’s how it works:
Internal Clock and Routines:
Dogs thrive on routines, with mealtimes being a significant part of their daily schedule.
Their bodies have internal clocks that regulate biological functions, such as hunger.
Over time, your dog associates the sound of an alarm clock with the upcoming breakfast routine.
External Cues:
Apart from alarms, other cues in your daily routine can signal approaching mealtime:
Sounds of preparation, like clinking bowls or opening food packages.
Pre-meal activities, such as getting the leash for a walk before breakfast.
Changes in light patterns, which dogs can pick up on if meals are consistently timed around specific lighting conditions.
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One of my dogs seems to know when my husband’s morning alarm is about to go off. She really loves him, so she sits up and stares at him in the morning. Usually, within about 5 minutes, the alarm goes off, and it’s her favorite way to start the day.
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Dogs can tell the time based on the rate at which signals fade. Similar to how your signal gradually wanes when you leave the house, the dog can sense when you’ve been gone for a while. You can try it by leaving your clothes on the couch or in your dog’s hangout. When you return home, people will be surprised at how quickly you recovered.
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When my husband’s alarm goes off in the morning, one of my dogs seems to know. It’s the happiest way to start her day:heart: 
because she adores him and will sit up a bit in the morning to stare at him. Usually, the alarm goes off after five minutes or so.
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Dogs, view time in a different way than humans. Research indicates that they might go through it at varying rates. Dogs observe, smell, and experience physical changes to determine the passage of time. Even if they aren’t familiar with “dinner” or “5 p.m.,” they can tell precisely what time it is based on how full their stomach feels.