A video on Instagram shows how a Golden Retriever named Chili fondly remembers the time he got to enjoy a swim session, and wants to do it again. However, his owner — @goldenchilidog on Instagram — doesn’t allow it, so he stands there, refusing to move. A small stand-off follows between Chili and his owner as he logs for another swim, showing just how powerful a dog’s memory can be.
Dog still remembers the place mom let him swim in two years ago
The video begins with the Golden Retriever standing still as his mom tugs the leash and reminds him, “We just did a whole walk.” But Chili does not budge. Instead, he just stares at his mom – and when she finally asks, “Will you tell me where you wanna go?” the on-screen caption answers for the dog, reading “I’ll show you,” as he leads her to the area where he once went to swim.
Before reaching the pool, Chili’s mom tells him, “We’re not going in there,” as the dog stands at the water’s edge, evidently longing for a swim.
They manage to leave, but Chili’s protest resumes on the road as he freezes again and stares at his owner. Meanwhile, the on-screen text flashes “stubbornness level 10000.” Laughing, the dog’s mom calls out, “Come on. Come to me. Are you serious?” — and eventually, Chili accepts defeat and runs toward her.
The intriguing bit is that this is actually how a dog’s memory works. As the on-screen caption explains, “I let Chili swim here ONCE, 2 years ago… so he’s refusing to leave,” that is exactly how dogs build strong associations with places with the best experiences.
The dog may have eventually given in without his desired swim, but he might never forget that pool.
