11 Misconceptions About Dogs You Should Stop Believing

In this video, we will talk about 11 common misconceptions about dogs. More baths means a cleaner dog Some dog owners love to go the extra step and bathe their dog too often. Even though your intentions may be good, overbathing your dog can cause problems in the long run. Too much bathing can dry out their skin, damage their fur or hair follicles, and disrupt the dog’s natural insulation. It s ok for dogs to lick their wounds While there is evidence that some of the enzymes in saliva can help with the healing process, there are other things lurking in the mouth that can do just the opposite. A dog s mouth, just like any other living being, can have some nasty bacteria that could cause a wound to become infected. Pit bulls are inherently dangerous. While some studies have presented reliable data that suggests pit bulls are responsible for more dog bites than other dog breeds, other reputable studies have contradicted this finding by determining that a dog’s breed doesn’t determine its propensity for aggression. In fact, research has shown that Pit bulls consistently score above the average in temperament tests. These temperament tests entailed putting a dog through a series of unexpected situations, some involving strangers. Pit bulls had a passing rate of 82 percent—compared to only 77 percent of the general dog population. As with any dog breed, training, early socialization, and a good home life are all important factors when it comes to living in harmony with humans and other animals. A dog’s thick fur coat means they stay warm in the winter. While a Husky or malamute will be less susceptible to the cold than a Chihuahua, a thick fur coat doesn’t mean your dog can be exposed to cold temperatures for a long period of time. Winter can be great fun for some dogs — but make sure they aren’t exposed to those extreme cold temperatures for too long. My dog must be angry with me. Many dogs show submissive behaviors when their owners arrive home and find their dog has destroyed their couch. These behaviors of tucking the tail, putting the ears back, or avoiding eye contact do not mean “I am sorry” in dog language. They mean “Stop being angry at me.” Remember, dogs are incapable of associating any punishment with an action that occurred in the past, and canines are not capable of feeling complex emotions such as guilt or shame. Punishment in these circumstances does not teach the dog anything, except to fear the arrival of their human. Dog poop will fertilize your lawn Not only this isn t true, but actually the exact opposite has been proven by many studies. While cow manure is a great fertilizer, dog feces on the other hand do not have the same makeup due to canines’ diet. Some punishment is needed to teach dogs proper behavior Punishment should never be used when dealing with an unwanted behavior. It’s animal abuse, and it can cause far more behavioral problems than it solves, especially if used on a dog with fear or anxiety-related problems. This type of management will eventually increase a dog’s fear, arousal and possibly aggression, and the pet may become fearful of the owner. Even worse, punishments can turn a positive situation into one that is unpleasant or negative for your canine. For example, if your dog is often punished when he barks at visitors in your home, or strangers that pass by your house, he may become increasingly fearful of new visitors and passersby. If you train your dog using treats, you will always need them to get the dog to listen. Dog training research has shown that this is completely untrue. Treats are an excellent means of teaching and reinforcing a behavior in dogs. Once your canine learns a new behavior, intermittent reinforcement is the best way of maintaining the desired behavior, and making it most resistant to extinction. This means that you only have to use the treats periodically once the behavior is learned. A fearful and anxious dog must have been abused in the past When people adopt a dog that exhibits fearful behavior, they often assume the dog was abused. And although that may sometimes be the case, it s not always the case. Many fearful dogs have had a safe home life, and yet they still suffer from different fears and phobias. When a puppy is growing, they go through several developmental stages. One of those stages is a time when everything the puppy encounters that does not hurt or frighten them is accepted as a non-threat. This is a critical time in puppy development, and anything not encountered during this time is likely to be approached with suspicion. All dogs are good swimmers Many people believe all dogs are natural swimmers. While some dogs do like being in water, not all of them are good at swimming. Swimming ability depends on your dog s breed and structure. Every dog should have a litter before being spayed There is no medical evidence to justify allowing a dog or cat to have a litter before spaying.