10 Things People Still Get Dead Wrong About Dogs
Don't believe everything you hear, especially when it comes to dogs. Unfortunately, there's a lot of misinformation floating around, and it's time to set the record straight. Here are 10 myths about dogs that are completely wrong.
Myth 1: Alpha Wolfs Evolved into Alpha Dogs
When a biologist publishes a book, it often goes unnoticed. But that all changed in 1970 with Dave Mech’s book “Wolf”. Introducing the term ‘alpha wolf’ to the masses, the book explained the alpha wolf competes or battles for resources to become ‘top dog’. The big problem was the concept was based on observations of unfamiliar, captive wolves and not wild ones.
Wolves are wild animals, dogs are domesticated.; while sharing the same ancestry, 15000 years of domestication lead to very different behaviors.
Further perpetuating the alpha concept is that wolves and dogs share ancestry. But due to 15,000 years of domestication, dogs and wolves behave very differently. Dogs have evolved to form strong bonds with humans whereas wolves are disinterested in human interaction, even when raised by humans since birth.
Although Mech has admitted his error, it has taken over 5 decades to get the publisher to stop printing the popular book. And even though the term ‘alpha dog’ has no factual basis, the public refuses to let it go.
Myth 2: Littermate Syndrome Exists
Considering getting two puppies from the same litter? While doing your research, you may come across the term "littermate syndrome". Despite its name which sounds like a disease, this is nothing more than a label given to two puppies from the same litter who exhibit behavior issues such as dependency on each other, aggression towards each other, and a lack of interest in other dogs.
Great news! There is no such thing as littermate syndrome. Treat them as individuals and don’t rely on them to raise each other.
The problem is “littermate syndrome” is purely anecdotal and not actual backed by scientific evidence which links behavioral issues to shared womb time. The root cause of these behavioral issues in puppies and adolescent dogs is a failure by the pet guardian to bond and train with each puppy individually as well as provide proper socialization opportunities.
The good news is that it is possible to raise two puppies together that become confident, well-behaved dogs who can peacefully coexist. However, you must put time and effort into training, socializing, and bonding with each individual puppy.
Myth 3: Pit Bulls Are the Most Dangerous Dog
Popular household breeds like the Doberman Pincher, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler have all faced breed restrictions or breed bans in the past, but today, breed specific legislation predominantly targets Pit Bulls. Two wildly imaginative rumors are at the heart of the misinformation.
Don’t judge this breed based on what you might have heard. The Pitbull cannot lock their jaw, nor do they bite harder than any the average dog.
Contrary to popular belief, neither the Pit Bull nor any other dog breed can lock their jaw. Unlike reptiles like alligators and crocodiles, dogs lack the physical capabilities to lock their jaws. This widespread falsehood is busted.
Pit Bulls cannot bite more forcefully than any other dog. While this myth may be more sensational, the truth is that the American Pitbull Terrier has average bite strength.
In fact, it's time to dispel the myth that any breed is inherently dangerous. The key to preventing dog bites lies in responsible ownership. By understanding dog body language, educating ourselves, and closely supervising interactions between kids and dogs, we can create a safer environment for everyone.
Myth 4: Dogs Respect Dominance
This dog’s body language (whale eye, high tail, body pushed backwards) indicate they are scared by the person’s display of dominance.
Cesar Milan, internationally renowned dog trainer, encouraged dog owners around the world to adopt a "calm-assertive energy" when dealing with dogs facing behavioral problems. Regrettably, Cesar’s advice was without merit and had the potential to be harmful for those who followed it. Any individual, be it a trainer or not, who suggests dominance training clearly lacks an understanding of how dogs think and learn and is not willing to invest the time to teach their dog alternative behaviors.
Dogs simply do what works for them. For example, your dog may pull on their leash because they want to reach something enticing, and when you follow, they get what they want. Jumping on people becomes a habit because your dog receives the attention they desire.
Resorting to punishment, such as using e-collars or forcing dogs onto their backs until they submit (known as alpha rolls), is inhumane and ineffective. While punishment may temporarily curb undesirable behavior, a more effective approach is to utilize positive reinforcement training (r plus dog training) and establish consistent rules to teach your dog desired behaviors.
Myth 5: Certain Breeds Have a High Prey Drive and There is Nothing You Can Do to Control It
Often labelled as high prey dogs, the Labrador and the Australian Shepherd are preying nothing. Instead these dogs chase after each other and the purple Puller dog toy.
Commonly misused term ‘prey drive’ refers to a dog’s natural desire to stalk, chase, bite and kill prey. Shepherds and Retrievers are frequently labelled as high drive breeds, but they do not complete the predatory sequence but instead they stalk and chase or herd for the fun of it.
Don't be fooled - any dog, given enough speed, has the potential to complete the entire predatory sequence. A recent incident where a Mini Goldendoodle killed a baby chipmunk left the neighbors shocked, serving as a stark reminder of what their seemingly innocent pup is capable of.
However, just because a dog is bred for something doesn't mean they will inevitably engage in it or cannot be trained otherwise. It is entirely possible to teach your dog to stop chasing.
Myth 6: A License Is Required to Be a Dog Trainer
A terrible and unknown fact about the dog training industry in the US is that it’s unregulated. Anyone, and we mean anyone, can claim to be a dog trainer without any formal training or education in dog behavior. So, while educators, accountants, lawyers and even hair stylists in the US must prove their qualifications by passing a standardized exam, your local dog trainer can operate freely without any qualifications. Even well-known figure Cesar Milan has no formalized training in dog behavior!
Brooke attends a CATCH Behavior case workshop at St. Huberts Animal Welfare Center in Madison, NJ
This lack of regulation has had some devastating consequences. Not only has it allowed misinformation about dog training to spread unchecked, but it has also opened the door for acts of mistreatment and punishment towards defenseless dogs. It's a concerning situation that demands attention and action.
A move toward licensing dog trainers remains a low priority in the US. While Hillsborough County, home to Tampa, has the progressive Truth in Training Ordinance; the sad reality is that most trainers in the county operate without compliance. Here in New Jersey, a bill that could require the licensure of dog trainers has been sitting in the Legislature since February 2020.
Myth 7: Dogs Do Things to Get Back at You
This Beagle uses an appeasement gestures (averting gaze) while their owner is scolds them for eliminating on the floor.
Forget everything you think you know about dogs being stubborn or naughty. It's all a myth. When you show signs of anger and disappointment your dog is only reacting to your behavior.
Dogs are skilled at reading body language and are excellent observers. They look at your face and body and use appeasement gestures like puppy dog eyes or exposing their bellies to make you feel better. Your pup is incapable of understanding why you are upset over mistakes that happened hours ago. This is why punishments like scolding for potty accidents or chewing belongings are ineffective.
Myth 8: A Wagging Tail Means the Dog is Happy
Although wagging their tail, this dog appears extremely uncomfortable with this hard eyes and closed mouth.
The wagging of a dog's tail does not always mean they are happy or comfortable. Just like our smiles, a dog's tail can show mixed emotions. Sometimes a wagging tail means they're excited, but other times it could signal they're unsure or even a little nervous.
Instead of solely relying on a dog's tail to understand how they're feeling, it's important to consider their entire body language. By teaching kids that dog communication goes beyond tail wagging, they can learn to understand and advocate for their fuzzy buddies, ultimately helping to protect them from potential bites.
Myth 9: You Should Let Your Puppy Cry It Out
This poor puppy is already stressed out and shouldn’t be left alone to cry it out.
When you bring your new puppy home for the first time, it’s not unusual for them to cry at bedtime. However, contrary to what you may have heard, letting your puppy cry it out, isn’t going to get them to calm down. This strategy is only going to put them under even more stress.
Although you have made it comfortable for them inside their enclosure, remember they are in a strange place with new smells and unfamiliar people. Rather than put your new puppy in a place far away from you, the best place for your new puppy is next to your bedside, even on top of the nightstand, if possible.
Myth 10: A Tired Dog is a Good Dog
Chip enjoys time at the beach, walking on the sand and sniffing the smells of the sea.
Tired is the key word in this sentence. Ok, if your dog is asleep, they are not getting into any mischief; but what if your dog is tired, but not sleeping? An overtired dog, much like an overtired child or adult has a lot less patience than a well-rested one. Dogs need a lot of rest – about 14-16 hours a day! And a puppy needs even more downtime and should sleep anywhere from 18-20 hours a day.
The key to having a tired dog does not entail adding physically demanding exercise, but thoughtful mental workouts. Need ideas? Check out any of our enrichment blogs.
Conclusion: Dogs Need Science
We owe to our dogs put an end myth. Help us spread the truth by sharing this piece with another dog lover.
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