Canine homeowners know what it’s wish to be consistently bombarded with recommendation, ideas, and tales from fellow pet dad and mom.
A few of these items of knowledge are useful, whereas others have been handed down by means of generations however have little reality to them.
Through the years, I’ve heard numerous myths about canine—some that even I believed till I dug deeper.
Understanding what’s true and what’s merely misinformation could make all of the distinction in how we take care of our canine.
On this article, I’ll debunk 10 frequent myths about canine that you need to cease believing proper now.
1. A Wagging Tail At all times Means a Pleased Canine
Some of the widespread myths is {that a} canine’s wagging tail all the time means they’re comfortable. Whereas a wagging tail can point out pleasure or happiness, it’s not all the time the case.
Canine use their tails to speak a wide range of feelings, together with anxiousness, concern, and even aggression.
The place and velocity of the wag additionally matter—a low, gradual wag may imply the canine is uncertain or uncomfortable, whereas a excessive, quick wag would possibly sign pleasure.
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2. Canine Solely See in Black and White
Many individuals imagine that canine can solely see in shades of black and white, however this can be a delusion.
Whereas canine don’t see colour in the identical method people do, they’ll understand sure colours.
Their imaginative and prescient is much like somebody who’s colorblind—they see the world primarily in shades of blue and yellow.
I used to assume my canine noticed the whole lot in grayscale, however after studying extra about canine imaginative and prescient, I spotted that their world isn’t as uninteresting as we as soon as thought.
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3. You Can’t Train an Previous Canine New Methods
The saying “You may’t train an outdated canine new tips” has been round for ages, however it’s utterly unfaithful.
Canine of any age can be taught new behaviors and instructions. In truth, older canine can typically be simpler to coach than puppies as a result of they’ve higher focus and are much less distracted by the whole lot round them.
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4. One Canine Yr Equals Seven Human Years
The “one canine yr equals seven human years” formulation is overly simplistic and doesn’t precisely mirror the way in which canine age.
Canine mature a lot sooner throughout their first few years of life, and the ageing course of varies relying on their breed and measurement.
Bigger canine are likely to age sooner than smaller canine, which means a Nice Dane will attain senior standing a lot prior to a Chihuahua.
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5. Canine Shouldn’t Sleep in Your Mattress
There’s lengthy been a debate about whether or not canine ought to sleep of their proprietor’s mattress. Some imagine that permitting a canine to sleep with you’ll make them overly dependent or result in behavioral issues.
Nonetheless, research have proven that letting your canine sleep in your mattress can really strengthen the bond between you and supply consolation to each the canine and the proprietor.
For years, I resisted letting my canine sleep within the mattress, pondering it could create unhealthy habits. However as soon as I allowed it, I discovered that we each slept higher, and it didn’t have an effect on her independence within the least.
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6. Canine Will Let You Know When They’re in Ache
We like to assume that our canine will all the time inform us after they’re in ache, however the actuality is that canine are masters at hiding discomfort.
Within the wild, exhibiting indicators of weak spot may make them weak, and this intuition nonetheless exists in domesticated canine.
Refined indicators like limping, decreased urge for food, or modifications in habits could be the solely clues that one thing is mistaken.
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7. Canine Solely Want Train If They’re Younger or Energetic
It’s straightforward to imagine that older canine don’t want as a lot train as youthful, extra energetic pups, however this can be a delusion.
All canine, no matter age, want common bodily exercise to keep up their well being and well-being. In fact, the depth and period of train might range relying in your canine’s age, breed, and bodily situation, however each canine wants some type of day by day exercise.
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8. Canine Really feel Responsible When They’ve Completed One thing Improper
Many canine homeowners imagine their canine feels responsible after they come house to seek out chewed-up footwear or a torn-up sofa.
We frequently interpret their “responsible look”—ears again, lowered head, and pet eyes—as an request for forgiveness. Nonetheless, research present that canine don’t really really feel guilt the way in which we do.
What we interpret as guilt is probably going only a response to our indignant tone or physique language.
I used to assume my canine felt unhealthy once I scolded her for digging within the yard, however in actuality, she was simply responding to my disapproving voice.
Canine dwell within the second, and whereas they’ll definitely be taught from our reactions, they don’t dwell on previous errors the way in which people do.
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9. Canine Eat Grass As a result of They’re Sick
It’s a typical perception that canine solely eat grass after they’re feeling sick or have an upset abdomen.
Whereas it’s true that some canine might eat grass after which vomit, most canine eat grass just because they prefer it. Grass can provide some roughage and should even style good to them.
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10. A Dry Nostril Means Your Canine Is Sick
A typical false impression is {that a} dry nostril is a certain signal that your canine is unwell. Whereas a dry nostril can typically point out dehydration or fever, it’s not all the time the case. Canine’ noses will be moist or dry at totally different occasions all through the day relying on the setting, exercise stage, and even the time of day.
I’ve seen my canine’s nostril fluctuate between moist and dry, typically inside the identical hour, and he or she’s been completely wholesome.
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11. Delusion: Canine Ought to Be Punished After Accidents to Train Them a Lesson
It’s a typical perception that scolding or punishing a canine after an indoor accident will train them to not repeat the habits. Nonetheless, canine dwell within the second and should not affiliate the punishment with the sooner motion, resulting in confusion or concern. Constructive reinforcement and constant coaching are more practical strategies for burglary.
12. Delusion: Shelter Canine Are Broken or Have Behavioral Points
Many assume that canine in shelters have behavioral issues or previous traumas. In actuality, canine find yourself in shelters for numerous causes, equivalent to proprietor relocation or monetary constraints. Shelters typically assess and rehabilitate canine, making them prepared for adoption into loving houses.
13. Delusion: Canine Solely Sweat Via Their Tongues
Whereas canine primarily regulate physique temperature by means of panting, in addition they have sweat glands of their paw pads. These glands assist with minor cooling, however panting stays their important technique of dissipating warmth.
14. Delusion: Canine That Are Left-Handed Are Unfortunate or Much less Trainable
Some imagine that left-pawed (southpaw) canine are much less trainable or convey unhealthy luck. In reality, paw desire has no bearing on a canine’s trainability or temperament. Like people, canine will be right-pawed, left-pawed, or ambilateral, and this trait doesn’t affect their habits or studying capability.
15. Delusion: Canine That Growl Are At all times Aggressive
Growling is usually misunderstood as an indication of aggression. Nonetheless, it’s a type of communication indicating discomfort, concern, or a warning. Recognizing and respecting this sign can stop escalation and assist deal with the underlying situation.
Ultimate Ideas
As a lot as we love our canine, we owe it to them to separate truth from fiction in the case of their care.
These myths, whereas widespread, can typically lead us to make selections that aren’t in the perfect curiosity of our pets.
By debunking these frequent misconceptions, you possibly can turn out to be extra knowledgeable and supply the absolute best care on your canine.
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Amanda created and owns The Discerning Cat. A lifelong cat lover she is the proud father or mother of two Siberian cats, Alexei and Vladimir. She is keen about understanding cats and totally different cat breeds.
