Canine homeowners 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 data are useful, whereas others have been handed down by means of generations however have little fact 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 look after our canine.
On this article, I’ll debunk 10 widespread myths about canine that you need to cease believing proper now.
1. A Wagging Tail At all times Means a Comfortable Canine
Probably the most widespread myths is {that a} canine’s wagging tail at all times means they’re completely satisfied. Whereas a wagging tail can point out pleasure or happiness, it’s not at all times the case.
Canines use their tails to speak a wide range of feelings, together with anxiousness, concern, and even aggression.
The place and pace of the wag additionally matter—a low, gradual wag might 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 canine can solely see in shades of black and white, however it is a delusion.
Whereas canine don’t see coloration in the identical approach 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 all the things 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 Train an Previous Canine New Tips
The saying “You possibly can’t train an outdated canine new tips” has been round for ages, however it’s fully unfaithful.
Canines of any age can be taught new behaviors and instructions. In actual fact, older canine can usually be simpler to coach than puppies as a result of they’ve higher focus and are much less distracted by all the things round them.
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4. One Canine 12 months Equals Seven Human Years
The “one canine yr equals seven human years” method is overly simplistic and doesn’t precisely replicate the way in which canine age.
Canines mature a lot quicker throughout their first few years of life, and the getting old course of varies relying on their breed and measurement.
Bigger canine are likely to age quicker than smaller canine, 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 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, considering it might 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 assume that our canine will at all times inform us once they’re in ache, however the actuality is that canine are masters at hiding discomfort.
Within the wild, exhibiting indicators of weak spot might make them susceptible, and this intuition nonetheless exists in domesticated canine.
Delicate indicators like limping, decreased urge for food, or modifications in habits could be the solely clues that one thing is incorrect.
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7. Canines Solely Want Train If They’re Younger or Energetic
It’s simple to imagine that older canine don’t want as a lot train as youthful, extra energetic pups, however it is a delusion.
All canine, no matter age, want common bodily exercise to keep up their well being and well-being. After all, the depth and period of train might differ relying in your canine’s age, breed, and bodily situation, however each canine wants some type of every day exercise.
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8. Canines Really feel Responsible When They’ve Accomplished One thing Fallacious
Many canine homeowners imagine their canine feels responsible once they come house to seek out chewed-up sneakers 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 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 offended 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.
Canines reside within the second, and whereas they’ll actually be taught from our reactions, they don’t dwell on previous errors the way in which people do.
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9. Canines Eat Grass As a result of They’re Sick
It’s a standard perception that canine solely eat grass once 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 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 positive 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. Canines’ noses may be moist or dry at totally different occasions all through the day relying on the atmosphere, exercise stage, and even the time of day.
I’ve seen my canine’s nostril fluctuate between moist and dry, typically throughout the similar hour, and she or he’s been completely wholesome.
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Last Ideas
As a lot as we love our canine, 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 the most effective curiosity of our pets.
By debunking these widespread misconceptions, you’ll be able to turn into extra knowledgeable and supply the very best care to 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 permits her to have a canine of her personal (for now it’s two Siberian cats) and loves studying about canine breeds and canine habits.
