Your example is one that actually contradicts the study findings, unlike some of the others here. The study’s point is that dogs can learn from experience, but cannot access specific memories— in particular of the events leading to the learned behavior. I’ve got another, my dog sees/finds a particular animal (racoon, possum, injured bird) in the yard in early evening when I put her out. The next morning, she remembers this particular episode and eagerly waits to go outside, and then races out to that exact spot to see if they are still there. When they are not, she realizes the animal has gone and does not try to do this again. Another example, I put my dogs favorite bone/toy out of reach/sight/smell because she won’t stop playing/chewing and I need sleep. She sees me, and knows where I put it. Several days later (even weeks) she will remember and suddenly remind me by looking at that spot and crying- even though i myself have long since forgotten... lol. They do indeed remember, and have some ability to access those memories.
Dogs not only remember past events, they understand abstractions to a degree. Almost any dog will learn if you point in a direction to look in that direction. Most other animals just look at your finger if you use it to point. Understanding the meaning of pointing toward an object involves abstract thinking.
And you are talking about, Georgie, who taught himself to push a dining room chair into the kitchen so he could easily climb onto the counterinsurgency and clear them of all available bread, marinating meats and sweets!
Dadgum dog taught himself how to create a tool!
And furthermore, I volunteer George’s services to prove that dogs DO remember.
Payyment will be a slice of turkey shredded on breakfast and dinner and a pig ear, cut into 4 pieces to be spread out during the day.
And a belly rub.