Dog Myths Dispelled: Know Your Dog Facts

You’ve heard these dog myths before, I’m sure. Every pet owner has encountered myths about dogs from well meaning animal lovers, and it’s time to dispel these dog myths. While growing up in South Louisiana, people would say that feeding a dog gunpowder will make them mean. Um, no. It will make them sick; not aggressive.

Believe it or not, I heard these 6 ridiculous dog myths this week and I’m here to debunk them.

Giving Your Dog Human Food Will Cause Begging Behavior

via GIPHYFalse. Giving your dog “people” food won’t cause your dog to beg. Now, giving your dog food (even his own kibble) from your dinner plate or the dining room table will teach your dog to beg.

Think about it this way: If someone hands out cupcakes or $10 bills by the toilet, you would hang around the toilet if you like cupcakes and money. In a nutshell, if good things happen in specific areas, your dog will learn to hang out there. Instead of handing your dog food tidbits from the dinner table, give your dog a food-filled Kong in his crate. That way, you can enjoy your meal and your dog learns that dog crates mean peanut butter Kongs (a good thing!).

Your Dog’s Warm Nose Means He’s Sick

via GIPHYNope, this is false too. Your dog’s nose reacts to the temperature or humidity and not illness. Dogs’ noses will look and feel warm, especially after a long nap. If your dog acts differently, hides in another room, refuses to eat or drink, limps, vomits, or has loose stool, then he’s probably sick.

Dogs Eat Grass Because They Have Worms

via GIPHYFalse. Dogs eat grass because they like it, especially young green grass that grows during springtime. When dogs eat grass, it’s best to keep them outdoors for a few more minutes, as most will vomit afterwards. If you notice worms in your dog’s poop or around his anus, then it’s time for a vet visit.

Humping Dogs are Seeking Dominance

via GIPHYThis is false too. Humping is a normal part of play behavior; it has nothing to do with dominance. When playing, each dog has his or her own specific play style. Some dogs pull ears, others grab another dog’s hocks and some dogs hump. If the humpee feels uncomfortable, he moves away and the humper learns to change his play style or no one will play with him.

Allow Dogs to Work It Out

via GIPHYBeyond false. Never allow dogs to work it out, ever. Allowing dogs to work it out will teach dogs to fight it out. If one dog is bullying another dog and the scared dog is unable to get away, he will fight to get away. This is called fight or flight behavior. If you’re unable to leave a scary situation, then you’ll fight to get away. When in doubt, interrupt or prevent your dog’s behavior and consult an experienced positive reinforcement dog trainer.

Dogs Run Through Doorways First to Show Dominance

via GIPHYNope, this is false too. Dogs run through doorways first because they weren’t taught differently. It has nothing to do with dominance. If you’re walking toward a doorway, such as the back door, your dog runs through the door because he wants to go outside. That’s it, I promise. Now, it’s the pet owner’s job to teach a dog to wait at the door. This prevents dogs from running out and getting hurt.

What’s the craziest dog myth you’ve ever heard? I promise I won’t laugh. I may giggle a bit, but won’t laugh.