Debunking Dog Myths: What You Didn't Know About Your Furry Friend
Dogs have been our loyal companions for centuries, and yet, many myths and misconceptions about them persist. Let's take a closer look at some common superstitions and the real truths behind them.
Myth: Dogs are Colorblind
Reality: While it's a common belief that dogs see the world in black and white, the truth is that dogs can see some colors. In contrast to humans, who have three types of color receptors (cones), dogs have two cones. This means they see a more limited color spectrum, primarily shades of blue and yellow, plus shades of grey. So, while your dog won't appreciate the vibrant red of a ball, they'll definitely notice the contrast against the green grass.
This image gives you an idea of the difference between human and canine sight. You can see the original image & read more about dog sight at PetMD:
Myth: You Can't Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
Reality: Age is just a number, even for dogs! Older dogs might not have the same energy levels as their younger counterparts, but they can still learn new skills and tricks. Like humans, dogs brains have neuroplasticity which means their brains continue to change and adapt in response to life experiences throughout their life. Training provides valuable mental stimulation and a sense of accomplishment for senior dogs. Take my dog, Jake, when he was a senior for instance. While working towards my trainer certification, I used Jake in many exercises. Despite needing more breaks, he loved the "games" and mastered new tricks with enthusiasm. Here's a sweet moment of him practicing recall for one of our classes:
Myth: Eating Grass Means a Dog is Sick
Reality: While dogs sometimes munch on grass to soothe an upset stomach, it's not always a sign of illness. Some dogs eat grass out of boredom, curiosity or simply because they enjoy the taste. My dog, Shadow, particularly enjoys eating fresh spring grass! Unless your dog eats so much grass that they vomit, this is a relatively harmless behavior. To be safe, don't let them overdo it & always keep an eye out for any changes in their eating habits or signs of distress that could indicate a problem.
Myth: A Wagging Tail Means a Happy Dog
Reality: A dog's wagging tail doesn't always mean they are happy. A wagging tail can signify a range of emotions, including distress. Depending on the tail's position, speed & the rest of the dog's body language, a wag can indicate excitement, alertness, fear, anxiety, or even aggression. It's essential to consider the dog's entire body and the situation in which the behavior occurs to really understand what your dog is trying to communicate. Canine body language is complex! Learning to understanding it will help prevent misunderstandings and ensure positive interactions between your dog and the world.
My name is Ruth Hegarty, and I'm a certified positive dog trainer specializing in fearful and anxious dog behaviors like separation anxiety, reactivity & aggression. As a certified dog bite safety educator, Fear Free certified professional & life coach, I bring a broad range of knowledge and compassion to my work. At Creature Good Dog Training, we pride ourselves on being current with the latest in dog training science, compassionate & non-judgmental towards our canine and human clients and fun to work with. Our passion lies in helping fearful dogs and their people thrive. We offer both in-person and online training, along with online courses tailored to meet your needs.
For more tips and insights on dog training and behavior, explore the articles in this blog or book a free exploratory session. Let's make the world a better place for our furry friends, one wag at a time!
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