Debunking the Top 6 Dog Myths

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I love dogs, and have had the great pleasure of sharing a home with them all my life.  Up until a few years ago, I believed the old “dry nose means a dog is sick” and “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” as well as many other things I had heard over the years.  I remember my mother mentioning a number of them concerning our family boxer, “Tilty.” Well mom I’m sorry to tell you that all those things we’ve believed over the years just aren’t so.

Dog-health-myths

Here are the top six dog myths:

#6 Pit Bulls are Aggressive

Pit bulls, actually American Terriers, are no more or less aggressive than any other breed unless they are trained that way.  If you train a poodle to be aggressive it can bite you or attack other dogs.  Pitties are truly the most misunderstood breed.

#5 Dogs Will Eat Anything 

Have you ever noticed your dog chow down on a smelly bone or questionable lump of meat he’s pulled out of the garbage? Or worse, lap enthusiastically at that suspicious looking smear of something on the pavement?

Dogs can detect bitter, sweet, salty, and sour tastes, but how we perceive “taste” may be different that how they perceive it. Although dogs have only one-sixth the number of taste buds than that of a human, it is possible that dogs gain more information about food from its sense of smell. Regardless of what leads them to smelly food, you shouldn’t be tempted to feed your dog curry, leftovers, or takeout from your favorite restaurant. It’s bad for them. Instead, feed them healthy, well-balanced meals that are high in protein, carbohydrates and fiber.

#4 A Dry Nose Means the Dog is Sick 

This is false. The dog’s nose has nothing to do with its state of health. In fact, its nose can change from wet and cool to warm and dry in minutes. So don’t panic. This is completely normal, and probably has to do more with the weather and humidity than health.

#3 Dogs Only Wag Their Tails When They’re Happy 

Usually a dog wagging its tail suggests happiness, excitement, and eagerness (walk time!), but not always. Sometimes a wagging tail can mean fear, aggression, or even a warning to “back off!” So you should always be careful when approaching strays, or strange dogs you haven’t met before, even if they are wagging.

#2 Old Dogs Can’t Learn New Tricks

Pure poppycock. Misinformation, we suspect, spread by old people trying to get out of learning something they didn’t want to do, or by lazy people who don’t feel like training an older dog. But just like there are plenty of octogenarians out there getting on the computer for the first time and becoming Twitter savants after a few days, dogs can learn new tricks at any age. Learning new things helps keep the dog active and his mind young – just like with people.

#1 Sex, Litters, and Fixing the Dog 

Lots of people wait before getting their dog neutered or spayed because they believe letting their dog have sex is a good thing, or that they need to have one litter  of puppies “for the experience.”

They don’t. Letting your dog have sex usually results in a bunch of puppies that you will struggle to find homes for, and a female dog will not be sad for missing an expereince she never even knew she could have. And while there is some controversy as to how early you should have a dog fixed, there is no reason why you should refuse to neuter or spay your dog and further exacerbate the animal population control problem.

So now that we’ve debunked the top 6 Dog Myths, share your newfound knowledge with your friends.

Thanks to PetMD for story contributions.

About Post Author

Professor Mike

Professor Mike is a left-leaning, dog loving, political junkie. He has written dozens of articles for Substack, Medium, Simily, and Tribel. Professor Mike has been published at Smerconish.com, among others. He is a strong proponent of the environment, and a passionate protector of animals. In addition he is a fierce anti-Trumper. Take a moment and share his work.
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9 years ago

Lacey liked this….but still hates the leash 😉

Bill Formby
Reply to  Norman Rampart
9 years ago

Norman! Lacey needs the leash when going for walks, Damnit.

Bill Formby
9 years ago

Great read Mike. Rascal gave it two thumbs up, especially the part about dogs eating anything. Rascal, in his older years has gotten more picky about what he will eat. Everyday it is a guessing game as to what he will eat. He is becoming more like a human every day. It depends on what he is in the mood for that day, with a few exceptions. If it has Alfredo sauce on it he will likely eat the bumper off the car. But sometimes it is chicken, other times it is pork or beef. Just plain old dog food he lie down beside it like it is not even there. But yes, we have spoiled the boy, so I guess it is our fault. But we love him too much to deny him much of anything.

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