Canine house owners know what it’s prefer to be consistently bombarded with recommendation, suggestions, and tales from fellow pet mother and father.
A few of these items of knowledge are useful, whereas others have been handed down by generations however have little fact to them.
Through the years, I’ve heard numerous myths about canines—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 look after our canines.
On this article, I’ll debunk 10 frequent myths about canines that it’s best to cease believing proper now.
1. A Wagging Tail All the time Means a Joyful Canine
One of the widespread myths is {that a} canine’s wagging tail all the time means they’re completely happy. Whereas a wagging tail can point out pleasure or happiness, it’s not all the time the case.
Canines use their tails to speak quite a lot of feelings, together with anxiousness, worry, and even aggression.
The place and velocity of the wag additionally matter—a low, sluggish wag may imply the canine is not sure or uncomfortable, whereas a excessive, quick wag would possibly sign pleasure.
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2. Canines Solely See in Black and White
Many individuals imagine that canines can solely see in shades of black and white, however it is a fantasy.
Whereas canines don’t see coloration in the identical means 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 suppose my canine noticed every part in grayscale, however after studying extra about canine imaginative and prescient, I spotted that their world isn’t as boring as we as soon as thought.
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3. You Can’t Educate an Previous Canine New Methods
The saying “You’ll be able to’t train an outdated canine new methods” has been round for ages, nevertheless it’s utterly unfaithful.
Canines of any age can study new behaviors and instructions. Actually, older canines can typically be simpler to coach than puppies as a result of they’ve higher focus and are much less distracted by every part round them.
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4. One Canine 12 months Equals Seven Human Years
The “one canine 12 months equals seven human years” method is overly simplistic and doesn’t precisely replicate the best way canines age.
Canines mature a lot sooner throughout their first few years of life, and the growing older course of varies relying on their breed and measurement.
Bigger canines are inclined to age sooner than smaller canines, that means a Nice Dane will attain senior standing a lot before a Chihuahua.
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5. Canines Shouldn’t Sleep in Your Mattress
There’s lengthy been a debate about whether or not canines 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.
Nevertheless, research have proven that letting your canine sleep in your mattress can truly 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, considering 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. Canines Will Let You Know When They’re in Ache
We like to suppose that our canines will all the time inform us after they’re in ache, however the actuality is that canines are masters at hiding discomfort.
Within the wild, displaying indicators of weak point may make them weak, and this intuition nonetheless exists in domesticated canines.
Refined indicators like limping, decreased urge for food, or modifications in habits will be the solely clues that one thing is improper.
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7. Canines Solely Want Train If They’re Younger or Lively
It’s straightforward to imagine that older canines don’t want as a lot train as youthful, extra energetic pups, however it is a fantasy.
All canines, no matter age, want common bodily exercise to take care of their well being and well-being. After all, the depth and length of train might range relying in your canine’s age, breed, and bodily situation, however each canine wants some type of each day exercise.
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8. Canines Really feel Responsible When They’ve Performed One thing Mistaken
Many canine house owners imagine their canine feels responsible after they come residence to search 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. Nevertheless, research present that canines don’t truly really feel guilt the best way we do.
What we interpret as guilt is probably going only a response to our indignant tone or physique language.
I used to suppose my canine felt unhealthy once I scolded her for digging within the yard, however in actuality, she was simply responding to my disapproving voice.
Canines stay within the second, and whereas they’ll actually study from our reactions, they don’t dwell on previous errors the best way people do.
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9. Canines Eat Grass As a result of They’re Sick
It’s a standard perception that canines solely eat grass after they’re feeling sick or have an upset abdomen.
Whereas it’s true that some canines might eat grass after which vomit, most canines eat grass just because they prefer it. Grass can provide some roughage and will 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. Canines’ noses will be moist or dry at totally different occasions all through the day relying on the setting, exercise degree, and even the time of day.
I’ve seen my canine’s nostril fluctuate between moist and dry, typically throughout the identical hour, and he or she’s been completely wholesome.
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Last Ideas
As a lot as we love our canines, we owe it to them to separate reality from fiction in the case of their care.
These myths, whereas widespread, can typically lead us to make decisions that aren’t in one of the best curiosity of our pets.
By debunking these frequent misconceptions, you’ll be able to develop into extra knowledgeable and supply the very best care in your canine.
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Amanda created and owns The Discerning Cat. A lifelong cat lover she is the proud mother or father of two Siberian cats, Alexei and Vladimir. She is captivated with understanding cats and totally different cat breeds.
