Canine have shared their lives with people for over twelve thousand years, but we nonetheless misunderstand them extra usually than we’d prefer to admit.
Whereas they is likely to be consultants at studying our feelings, understanding their physique language and the delicate indicators they use to speak may be tough. To make issues worse, numerous widespread myths about canine conduct proceed to flow into.
Is a wagging tail all the time an indication of happiness? Does my canine growling at me imply they hate me? Do canines really feel responsible after they misbehave?
On this submit, we’re busting up a few of these myths. Listed here are 10 widespread misconceptions about canine conduct and what they actually imply.
1. Tail Wagging At all times Means Comfortable
As a pet father or mother, you’ve most likely heard the favored perception {that a} wagging tail all the time alerts happiness. Maybe you’ve come to consider it as nicely.
However your furry pal’s tail is way more nuanced than that!
A wagging tail signifies emotional arousal, starting from pleasure to worry and even aggression. For example, a tail wagging excessive and quick may sign unease, whereas gradual, light wags could point out curiosity.
To really perceive your canine, observe their entire physique—their ears, posture, and facial expressions add context to what that tail is de facto saying.
Read Next: 10 Ways to Improve Your Relationship With Your Dog
2. Consuming Grass Means They’re Sick
Many pet dad and mom fear that their canine munching on grass signals health issues, however this widespread perception doesn’t inform the entire story.
Certain, grass can generally act as a pure antacid to assuage an upset abdomen, nevertheless it’s not all the time tied to illness.
Generally, your furry pal may merely benefit from the style, particularly throughout spring and summer season when the grass is contemporary.
This seemingly troubling behaviour could trigger concern, however so long as the grass is freed from dangerous chemical compounds and your canine is wholesome, there’s no want for alarm.
Read Next: 10 Worst Mistakes You Can Make With Your Dog
3. Growling Throughout Play Means They’re Dangerous Sport
Listening to your canine associates growl throughout a recreation of tug-of-war or whereas wrestling might sound alarming, nevertheless it’s not all the time an indication of aggression.
Quite the opposite, this playful communication helps construct belief and strengthens your bond together with your furry companion!
Animal behaviorists name it “play growls” when canine growl in a pleasant trend throughout enjoyable interactions.
This sort of growling usually signifies pleasure or happiness, not hostility. You may even discover your canine growl softly throughout a stomach rub or snuggle session.
Read Next: Why does my dog nibble on me?
4. Enjoying Tug Encourages Aggressive Conduct
The concept that enjoying tug-of-war results in aggression is a well-liked false impression. Analysis exhibits no proof linking the sport to elevated aggression towards individuals or different canine.
In truth, tugging is a good way on your canine to apply pure behaviors, releasing extra vitality, and decreasing damaging behaviors like chewing.
When performed appropriately, tug-of-war can strengthen the bond between you and your canine whereas boosting their confidence. Nonetheless, chances are you’ll need to educate instructions like “drop it” to maintain the sport secure and stop overstimulation.
Read Next: Why doesn’t my dog like me?
5. Canine Really feel Guilt With Their Misdeeds
When your canine cowers with ears again and tail tucked after chewing your sneakers, it would appear to be they know they’ve executed one thing flawed.
Nevertheless, consultants recommend this conduct is extra seemingly an appeasement gesture. Canine don’t expertise guilt the way in which people do.
As a substitute, their damaging affiliation with their actions comes from previous experiences—like being scolded after making a multitude.
The traditional “responsible” look is usually a response to your cues, reminiscent of scolding, quite than an understanding of their misdeed. Canine may additionally keep away from eye contact to stop additional confrontation.
Read Next: 10 Signs Your Dog Doesn’t Love You and What to do about it
6. Barking Canines Are At all times Threatening
Probably the most widespread myths about canines is that after they’re barking, it’s all the time threatening, however this isn’t essentially true.
See. barking and growling are distance-increasing behaviours. They’re your canine’s manner of making area and decreasing anxiousness after they really feel unsafe.
Many canine use barking to speak their discomfort, particularly in the event that they’re unable to make use of subtler alerts.
Whereas some canine could bark protectively, most of the time, they’re merely expressing anxiousness and making an attempt to drive away one thing they understand as threatening.
Read Next: 10 Signs Your Dog Considers You to be its Best Friend
7. Canine Wish to Dominate Others
The concept that canine try to dominate their homeowners is predicated on the dominance fable that has lengthy been debunked.
Many behaviors, like leaping or pulling on a leash, have been incorrectly attributed to a canine’s want to say energy. In fact, canines merely act on what works for them and wish clear coaching and bounds.
Read Next: 10 Signs Your Dog is Bored and How to Fix Them
8. They Disobey Instructions As a result of They Need To
In case your canine ignores a command, it’s hardly ever out of defiance, so that you shouldn’t take it to coronary heart. Chances are high, they don’t absolutely perceive what’s being requested or are too distracted to conform.
Canine aren’t nice at generalizing, so mastering a ability like obeying a “sit” command in your quiet kitchen doesn’t imply they’ll do the identical at a busy park.
Inconsistent or inadequate educating may also hinder studying.
Most canines want correct coaching and constructive reinforcement. Assist your canine succeed by practising instructions in varied environments and protecting expectations life like.
Read Next: 10 Reasons Dogs Make Better Pets than Cats
9. Pups Love It When You Hug Them
We all know it’s nearly unimaginable to withstand hugging your lovely pet to specific affection, nevertheless, canine usually really feel in a different way.
Most pups worth their private area and may discover hugs uncomfortable and even threatening. This stems from their instinctual behaviors—pinning down is usually an indication of dominance or aggression within the canine world.
Some canine could tolerate and even benefit from the occasional embrace. Nonetheless, the safer and extra respectful option to present your love is thru light pets, stomach rubs, or enjoying their favourite recreation.
Read Next: 10 Signs of a Happy Dog
10. Canine Intentionally Misbehave Out of Spite
It’s one other widespread false impression that canine act out of spite after they chew furnishings or have accidents indoors. However though it could appear and feel that manner, canines aren’t precisely the creatures to really feel spite.
Canine don’t develop damaging behaviors to “get again” at their homeowners. These feelings merely don’t exist of their genetic make-up.
Chewing, soiling, or tearing up gadgets are sometimes the results of anxiousness, boredom, or a scarcity of train and stimulation.
Your furry associates depend on routine and enrichment to remain blissful and well-behaved. Addressing these wants can assist forestall messes and guarantee your furry pal feels safe and engaged.
Read Next: 10 Things Your Dog Will Never Forgive
Last Ideas
Even essentially the most devoted pet dad and mom can fall for widespread canine myths. And whereas many misconceptions are innocent, others can result in misunderstandings that affect your canine’s well-being.
Understanding your pup’s true wants and behaviors can strengthen the bond you share and create a happier, more healthy surroundings on your furry pal.
Read Next: 10 Signs Your Dog Needs More Love
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 obsessed with understanding cats and completely different cat breeds.
