Canine homeowners know what it’s wish to be continuously 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 generations however have little reality to them.
Over time, 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 take care of our canines.
On this article, I’ll debunk 10 widespread myths about canines that it is best to cease believing proper now.
1. A Wagging Tail At all times Means a Blissful Canine
One of the crucial widespread myths is {that a} canine’s wagging tail at all times means they’re glad. Whereas a wagging tail can point out pleasure or happiness, it’s not at all times the case.
Canine use their tails to speak a wide range of feelings, together with nervousness, worry, and even aggression.
The place and velocity of the wag additionally matter—a low, sluggish wag might 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 canines can solely see in shades of black and white, however it is a delusion.
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 the whole lot in grayscale, however after studying extra about canine imaginative and prescient, I noticed that their world isn’t as uninteresting as we as soon as thought.
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3. You Can’t Train an Outdated Canine New Methods
The saying “You possibly can’t educate an previous canine new tips” has been round for ages, nevertheless it’s fully unfaithful.
Canine of any age can be taught new behaviors and instructions. The truth is, older canines 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 replicate the best way canines age.
Canine mature a lot sooner throughout their first few years of life, and the getting old course of varies relying on their breed and measurement.
Bigger canines are likely 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. Canine 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.
Nonetheless, 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, pondering it could create dangerous 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 suppose that our canines will at all times inform us once they’re in ache, however the actuality is that canines are masters at hiding discomfort.
Within the wild, exhibiting indicators of weak spot might make them susceptible, and this intuition nonetheless exists in domesticated canines.
Delicate indicators like limping, decreased urge for food, or adjustments in habits stands out as the solely clues that one thing is mistaken.
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7. Canine Solely Want Train If They’re Younger or Lively
It’s simple to imagine that older canines don’t want as a lot train as youthful, extra energetic pups, however it is a delusion.
All canines, no matter age, want common bodily exercise to take care of their well being and well-being. After all, the depth and period of train could 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 Fallacious
Many canine homeowners imagine their canine feels responsible once they come residence 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 act of contrition. Nonetheless, 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 offended tone or physique language.
I used to suppose my canine felt dangerous after I scolded her for digging within the yard, however in actuality, she was simply responding to my disapproving voice.
Canine reside within the second, and whereas they’ll definitely be taught from our reactions, they don’t dwell on previous errors the best way people do.
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9. Canine Eat Grass As a result of They’re Sick
It’s a typical perception that canines solely eat grass once they’re feeling sick or have an upset abdomen.
Whereas it’s true that some canines could eat grass after which vomit, most canines 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 standard 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 at all times the case. Canine’ noses might be moist or dry at completely different instances all through the day relying on the setting, exercise degree, and even the time of day.
I’ve observed my canine’s nostril fluctuate between moist and dry, typically throughout the similar hour, and he or she’s been completely wholesome.
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Closing Ideas
As a lot as we love our canines, we owe it to them to separate reality from fiction in relation to their care.
These myths, whereas widespread, can typically lead us to make decisions that aren’t in the perfect curiosity of our pets.
By debunking these widespread misconceptions, you possibly can develop into extra knowledgeable and supply the very best care in your canine.
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This text was initially printed on The Discerning Cat
Amanda O’Brien is the proprietor of The Canine Snobs web site. She is canine mad and canine aunt to Clover in London and Poppy in Sydney. She will be able to’t wait to have a schedule that enables her to have a canine of her personal (for now it’s two Siberian cats) and loves studying about canine breeds and canine habits.
