The following are some common beliefs when it comes to dogs. We have to admit some of these falsities have come as a surprise because we actually thought they were true too!
#1 – You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
We all know this isn’t true. Where this old adage came from, no one knows. But there are many shelter dogs out there that disprove this theory everyday. In fact, sometimes the older dogs are easier to train because they are past their “teenage” phase. (So don’t let the age of a dog stop you from adopting him!)
#2 – He’ll Grow out of It
No, no he won’t. In fact, if you let your dog do something you don’t like, thinking he will grow out of it, it’s more likely the behavior will get stronger. The shelters are full of dogs that were relinquished due to behavior issues. So don’t wait for something that is never going to happen – training is the only answer to bad behavior.
#3 – Playing Tug Will Make My Dog Aggressive
People used to say that you shouldn’t play tug with your dog because it would encourage biting and pulling on things – such as a human hand. However, if played correctly with the right set of rules (including not ever coming in contact with human skin and a reliable drop), there is nothing wrong with a good game of tug!
#4 – Don’t Play Tug With “Bully” Breeds
Myth #3 applies to all dogs, even bullies. It’s okay to play tug with a pit bull or “bully” type dog, as long as the rules are followed.
#5 – Rubbing Your Dog’s Nose in His “Accidents” Will House Train Him
There are several reasons why this is a myth. For starters, a dog can’t piece together that you are rubbing his nose in his own mess because you don’t want him to do it in the house. Dog’s don’t feel shame or guilt and can’t grasp the concept of a belated punishment, and most dog’s end up hiding to go the bathroom in the house as a result of the punishment–making it even harder to house train. If I came up to you and shoved your face in a pile of laundry (using no words you could understand), would you know why? Did I do it just for no reason? Did I do it because I wanted you to fold them? Move them? Wash them? Donate them? If you can’t figure it out that type of “communication”, why do you expect your dog to?
#6 – You Must Be “Alpha” for Your Dog to Listen to You
This myth came about because dogs are distantly related to wolves and so someone decided they must act like wolves, too. However, there are two things wrong with this: dogs are not wolves and the original study that started this myth has been debunked by scientists as not the way wolves act in nature. (The original study was based on captive, un-related wolves, which would not occur in nature.)
#7 –My Dog Is a Dumb Breed so He Can’t Learn
There has been a lot of research lately on dog intelligence and not one of them has proven that a dog’s particular breed determines a level of intelligence. Therefore, all dogs are intelligent and they can all learn. It’s just a matter of figuring out how to develop a relationship and the right environment for your dog to be successful.
#8 – My Dog Is Just Stubborn and Refuses to Learn
Just like guilt, stubbornness is a human trait we like to give dogs, especially if it seems like they are purposely not listening to us. However, it has been shown that almost always, there is a reason your dog is not listening to you – fear, anxiety, pain (maybe their hips hurt so lying down in uncomfortable), doesn’t understand what you are asking, etc.
Enlightening, isn’t it?
If you go to I Heart Dogs you can read even more about false beliefs that have been proven true and visa versa. For instance, did you know that puppies can be trained before six months old? Some say it's not possible because they're minds are not developed enough t retain information … but it's true. This and other fascinating lessons are in the article and illustrated with wonderful pooch photographs!
Enjoy and … be taught!
