Dogs don't "forget" fights like humans forget a bad dream; they form strong emotional memories, so while they might move on from the immediate event, intense negative experiences can create lasting fear or avoidance, making future interactions tense, though some dogs do reconcile or adapt with proper management, but it depends heavily on the individual dog and the severity of the fight.
But, forgiveness does happen in dogs. They are endlessly forgiving in a way. So, if a dog accidentally hurts another dog, they begin licking the other dog's face and acting very small and appeasing. Most times the other dog returns the same behaviors to say they get it, it wasn't an aggressive act.
Whilst this is a natural concern if you'll be gone for weeks, it's not something you need to fear. The truth is that your dog will almost always remember you, however long you've been apart. Dogs don't forget their beloved owners, even after months or even years apart.
They don't hold grudges and once the fight has passed the dogs have moved on. It's really quite remarkable how quickly they move past. Don't: Isolate the dogs from one another.
Right after the fight ends, your dog may be shaken up and/or on edge because of adrenaline surges. But once that fades, it's still possible that your dog won't go back to “normal” right away. In some cases, dogs continue to struggle with mood, behavior, and their mental health .
Maybe. But not always, and definitely not right away. We've seen dogs successfully re-integrate after serious fights, but only when the situation is handled with structure, safety, and the right training approach. In some cases, peaceful co-living isn't realistic or fair to one or both dogs, and that's okay, too.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for new owners, especially for rescues, showing a dog's typical adjustment phases: 3 Days (overwhelmed, decompression), 3 Weeks (settling in, learning routine, showing personality), and 3 Months (feeling at home, building trust, fully integrated). It's a framework to set expectations, reminding owners to be patient and provide structure, as every dog's timeline varies.
Dogs apologise by having droopy ears, wide eyes, and they stop panting or wagging their tails. That is sign one. If the person does not forgive them yet, they start pawing and rubbing their faces against the leg. ... Instead of just saying sorry as humans do, dogs acknowledge that they have done a mistake.
Signs That a Cat or Dog Has Experienced Trauma
An hour for a dog feels much longer than an hour for a human because dogs perceive time more slowly due to their faster metabolism and heightened awareness of routines, so a 10-minute wait can feel like 70 minutes to them, and your hour-long absence feels like an eternity, though they don't grasp clock time but rather the intervals between events like meals, walks, and your return.
To say "I love you" in dog language, use soft eye contact, raise your eyebrows, give gentle massages (especially ears), lean into them, and engage in play or shared activities like walks, which build trust and affection through shared experiences and physical connection, releasing oxytocin for both of you.
How does a dog feel when rehomed? Dogs are naturally inclined to be man's best friend, so their attachment is very strong. Research has even shown that dogs dream about their owners. Being abandoned is hugely traumatic, but dogs learn to love and trust again surprisingly quickly.
In fact, many dogs are able to remember their owners for years, even after long periods of separation. Research has shown that dogs have excellent long-term memory and are capable of recognizing their owners even after being separated for years.
How Do Dogs Say Sorry to Other Dogs? While we don't speak “dog”, there may be a way dogs apologize to each other. Usually though, dogs tend to simply walk away after a fight with another dog. After a while, they may reconcile, with the offending dog expressing regret through body language.
Top Most Dangerous Dog Breeds
How to Get Dogs to Get Along. Helping dogs living in the same home to get along after a fight typically involves separating them, both physically and visually, initially and then gradually reintroducing the dogs during short training sessions using desensitization and counter-conditioning.
Symptoms of canine PTSD vary from dog to dog and can include: hyper-vigilance, avoidance of buildings or work areas where they were previously comfortable, changes in temperament such as irritability or timidity, and most noticeably, they stop performing the tasks they were trained to perform.
The dog breeds that are more likely to have this problem are the German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, Jack Russell Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bichon Frise, Toy Poodle, Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, and German Shorthaired Pointer.
Understanding the cause of your dog's stress will also help you choose the best way to help your dog calm down.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for new owners, especially for rescues, showing a dog's typical adjustment phases: 3 Days (overwhelmed, decompression), 3 Weeks (settling in, learning routine, showing personality), and 3 Months (feeling at home, building trust, fully integrated). It's a framework to set expectations, reminding owners to be patient and provide structure, as every dog's timeline varies.
Look for the following to determine if your dog is in shock: pale gums, prolonged capillary refill time, depressed mental state or unconsciousness, weak pulse, or fast pulse rate/fast heart rate. Check your dog's ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation) and perform CPR if needed.
The 4 A's of an effective apology provide a framework for sincere amends: Acknowledge the offense and its impact, Accept responsibility without excuses, express Appreciation for the other's feelings (or Admit wrongdoing), and commit to Act differently (or Amend) to prevent recurrence. While variations exist (like adding "Ask for forgiveness"), these core actions focus on validating feelings and changing behavior for true reconciliation.
The most commonly surrendered dog type is the "pit bull type" (including mixes), often due to negative stereotypes, breed-specific legislation, and high energy levels, followed by other popular breeds like German Shepherds, Huskies, and Labrador Retrievers that may not fit owner lifestyles. Breeds like Staffordshire Bull Terriers (especially mixes) also top surrender lists in some regions like Australia.
The seven second rule. Put the back of your hand on the pavement. If you cannot hold it for seven seconds, it is too hot to walk for your dogs. This rule also applies to dogs riding in the bed of a pickup truck.
The time it takes for a dog to adjust to a new home can vary from one dog to another. Normally, it takes 2-3 weeks for a dog to adjust to a new home, but it can take up to 3 months for them to fully adjust behaviourally.