Dog Myths Debunked: The Truth About Our Furry Friends
Ever wonder whether some of the things you've heard about dogs are really true? As a dog owner, there's a lot of advice and opinions out there about the best ways to care for your furry friend. But some of it is based more on myth than fact. Before you make any big changes in how you handle your pooch, it's worth examining some of the most common myths about dogs to separate fact from fiction. You may be surprised by how much conventional wisdom about dogs turns out to be more fiction than fact. Keep reading to discover the truth behind some of the biggest dog myths out there so you can be the most informed pup parent on the block.
Dogs Only See in Black and White: Myth or Fact?
Have you heard that dogs can only see in black and white? ###
This is a myth. Dogs are not colorblind. While their color vision isn’t as vibrant as humans, dogs can see limited colors. They have two color receptors compared to the three that humans have, so dogs see a more limited color spectrum. Dogs can distinguish between blues and yellows, but have trouble differentiating reds and greens.
Dogs also have better night vision than humans due to a special membrane behind their retina. Their eyes contain more rods than cones, which are the cells responsible for peripheral and night vision. This gives dogs a big advantage for seeing in low light or at night.
Another myth is that dogs have poor eyesight. While dogs may not have perfect 20/20 vision, their eyesight is still quite good. A dog's visual acuity is about 20/75 to 20/100. For reference, humans with 20/20 vision can see clearly at 75 to 100 feet away what a person with normal vision sees at 20 feet. So a dog's eyesight is sufficient for most everyday activities and even high-level tasks.
Dogs also have a wider field of view that gives them more peripheral vision. A dog's field of view can reach up to 250 degrees, compared to humans at 180 degrees. This wider scope and placement of their eyes on the sides of their heads allows dogs to detect movement all around them, even without turning their heads.
The truth is, while a dog's visual abilities differ in some ways from humans, their eyesight and color vision are quite capable. Dogs are able to see, navigate, play, work, and live full, active lives relying on their senses—including their sense of sight.
Do Dogs Really Age 7 Years for Every Human Year?
The old myth that one human year equals seven dog years is a bit of an exaggeration. The truth is, dogs age differently depending on their size and breed. ###
Smaller dogs tend to live longer and age more slowly than larger breeds. So a 15-year-old Chihuahua would be equivalent to a human in their 70s, while a Mastiff of the same age would be pushing 150 in human years! For most dogs, the first year of life equals about 15 human years. After that, every dog year equals about 4-6 human years.
So a 4-year-old Labrador Retriever would be roughly equivalent to a 32-year-old human. An 8-year-old Beagle is similar to a 44-year-old person. As dogs get older, their aging slows down a bit. So a 12-year-old Cocker Spaniel would be about 64 in human years, while a 16-year-old Dachshund is pushing 80.
The bottom line is that there’s no perfect way to calculate a dog’s age in human terms. But in general, you can estimate that most adult dogs are similar to middle-aged humans. So if your dog is getting up there in years but still seems lively and playful, don't worry - they may well have a number of good years left! Every dog is different, so the most important thing is that they seem content, can get around reasonably well, and still enjoy quality time with their loving owner.
Are Small Dogs More Aggressive Than Big Dogs?
Are Small Dogs More Aggressive Than Big Dogs?
A common myth is that little dogs tend to be more aggressive than large breeds. Many people think small dogs are more likely to snap, bark, and bite. However, aggression has more to do with a dog's personality and how it's raised than its size.
- Size does not inherently make a dog aggressive or friendly. Personality, socialization, training, and environment are bigger influences on behavior. Small dogs are not biologically predisposed to be more aggressive. They are often pampered and not well-socialized, leading to behavioral issues, but this is due to nurture, not nature.
- Little dogs may bark more frequently to compensate for their small stature, as a way to seem intimidating to perceived threats. But excessive barking does not necessarily equate to aggression. Big dogs are capable of aggressive behavior too, and in some cases may be more dangerous due to their size and strength.
- How a dog is raised and trained has the biggest impact on its personality and behavior. When small dogs exhibit aggression, it is usually because their owners have not properly socialized or trained them. With positive reinforcement training, socialization, and affection, dogs of any size can become well-adjusted and friendly.
- Some small breeds like Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, and Cocker Spaniels may be predisposed to aggression if not properly bred and socialized. But in general, a dog's tendency toward aggression depends more on individual personality and environment than breed or size alone. With the right nurturing, any dog can be a sweet and social companion.
While some little dogs may bark, snap or bite more often if not properly cared for, there is no evidence that small breeds are inherently more aggressive. When dogs of any size behave aggressively, it is usually due to lack of training, socialization, or responsible ownership - not the dog's size or breed. With love and the right upbringing, all dogs can make great lifelong friends.
Does Punishing a Dog for Bad Behavior Work?
Does Punishing a Dog for Bad Behavior Work?
Punishing your dog for bad behavior may seem like the logical thing to do, but it often backfires and can damage your bond of trust. Physical or harsh verbal punishment teaches your dog to fear you, and may elicit an aggressive response. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement of good behavior.
Rather than punishing your pup for chewing on the couch or having an accident indoors, redirect them to an appropriate chew toy or take them out frequently. Lavish them with praise, treats and belly rubs when they do something right. Your dog wants to please you, so positive reinforcement of good behavior is the most effective training method.
Harsh physical punishment like hitting, kicking or using a shock collar can seriously hurt your dog, both physically and psychologically. Yelling at or intimidating your dog also does more harm than good. Dogs have a short memory span, so they may not even understand why they're being punished, especially if it's not administered immediately after the unwanted behavior. Punishment just makes them fearful or anxious, and can damage your bond of trust.
The most constructive approach is to focus on reinforcing good behavior through positive training methods, while also managing the environment to limit bad behavior in the first place. Provide plenty of exercise, play and interactive toys to keep your dog stimulated so they're less likely to act out. Be patient through the training process, as changing behavior takes time and consistency. With the right techniques, you'll build a lifelong bond of trust and respect with your faithful companion.
Do Dogs Feel Guilt When They've Done Something Wrong?
Many dog owners swear their pups look guilty when caught doing something wrong, like chewing up shoes or stealing food off the counter. But do dogs really feel guilt in the same way humans do? The short answer is no. Dogs don’t have a strong sense of morality like we do.
What many owners mistake for guilt is actually fear. When you discover the mess or catch them in the act, your dog reacts to your angry or frustrated tone and body language. They cower, tuck their tail, flop their ears back, and avoid eye contact, hoping to appease you and avoid punishment or scolding. These submissive behaviors are a survival mechanism to escape conflict, not because they feel bad about their actions.
Dogs live in the present and don't dwell on the past. Once you’ve cleaned up the mess and emotions have calmed down, your dog will go right back to their normal, happy self. Out of sight, out of mind. They don't lose sleep at night regretting that they shredded your favorite blanket or ate an entire bag of treats when you weren't looking.
While dogs don’t experience guilt, they are capable of forming close bonds and learning right from wrong through conditioning and training. Harsh punishment will likely just make them fearful or anxious. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement of good behaviors to shape them into well-mannered companions.
With time and consistency, you'll get better at managing situations to avoid unwanted behaviors in the first place. And your dog will become adept at reading your cues to know what is and isn't allowed. Though they may never feel guilty for misbehaving, they can learn to be on their best behavior to please their owner and earn rewards. The bond of understanding and trust between you will grow stronger as a result.
Conclusion
You've learned the truth about some of the most common myths surrounding our canine companions. Man's best friend deserves our respect and understanding based on facts, not fiction. While some of these myths may seem harmless, they can negatively impact how we care for and interact with dogs. Now that you know better, you can be an advocate for dogs in your community by educating others and promoting responsible pet ownership. Give your dog an extra treat today - they deserve it for putting up with all the silliness we sometimes attribute to them! Stay curious and keep learning. Our furry friends will thank you for it.
