Myths can be amusing, harmful, and sometimes even dangerous. Dogs became friends with humans nearly 15,000 years ago, and today the number of pet dogs in our country alone, according to the All-Russian Census, stands at 25.5 million. It would seem that by now we should know everything about our four-legged companions.
However, that’s not quite the case. Myths about dogs have taken root in society and continue to spread even among experienced owners. Some “facts” are so entrenched that they are not even questioned, and some of them are indeed dangerous. Together with the Center for the Study of Animal Nutrition and Welfare, we debunk the most common myths about dogs.
Myth 1: All Dogs Can Swim
Many have probably seen videos where dogs are held above water, and they involuntarily start “swimming” in the air, moving their paws. However, not all dogs are born swimmers, so be careful. If your pet has short legs, it won’t be able to paddle well, will tire quickly, and become exhausted (like a Dachshund).
A long back prevents a dog from maintaining proper buoyancy (like a Greyhound). Additionally, a flat muzzle increases the risk of choking, as such breeds primarily breathe through their mouths (like Pugs). Dogs should be taught to swim in shallow water, and you shouldn’t immediately try to cross a river with them.
Myth 2: Dogs Can Eat Food from the Table, Especially Bones
This myth harms the digestive system and health of dogs year after year. Yes, it can be hard to resist those cute eyes pleading for a bit of your dinner. According to pet census data, 54% of owners give table scraps as treats. But it’s essential to know that, for instance, chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, and raisins can be deadly for pets since a dog’s body cannot process certain substances found in these foods.
And what about bones? A dog with a bone in its mouth is one of the most iconic images. While dogs indeed love them, it doesn’t mean they should chew on them. Unfortunately, a dog’s stomach can hardly digest bones, and their sharp fragments can injure the digestive tract. Chicken bones, in particular, can be especially dangerous for dogs.
Myth 3: A Dry Nose Means a Dog is Sick
This is one of the most popular myths. Owners often panic if their dog’s nose is not wet and cold but dry and warm. However, there’s no need to rush to conclusions: a dry nose can result from prolonged exposure to the sun, and puppies’ noses change moisture and temperature during teething.
Yes, a dry nose can be a cause for concern, but only if accompanied by other symptoms like decreased activity and appetite, digestive upset, lethargy, and more. It’s similar to assuming you’re sick if you sneeze more than twice a day. It’s important to pay attention to the dryness of your dog’s nose but better to observe them for other signs of illness.
Myth 4: A Dog’s Character Depends on Its Breed
Like humans, dogs can also have difficult personalities. Cynologists consider the following breeds to be “challenging”: Laikas, Huskies, Pit Bulls, English and French Bulldogs, Shar-Peis, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, and Bull Terriers.
However, if it was once believed that a dog’s character was 100% determined by its breed, recent research suggests otherwise: a survey of 1,800 dog owners and 2,000 genetic tests showed that a dog’s temperament and behavior depend 80% on upbringing and socialization and only 10% on breed.
The animal census confirms that owners are not afraid to choose pets with character: Laikas made it into the top 5 popular breeds in 2023. Ultimately, the approach to the dog, interaction, and training shape its behavior.
Myth 5: You Can’t Train an Adult Dog
Almost any dog can be trained and have its behavior corrected, with the main difference being the time required. It’s easier to train puppies: their brains are developing, absorbing information more easily and actively, as behavioral traits and thinking processes are still being formed. But you shouldn’t write off training a pet because of its age.
Mental abilities, the owner’s patience, and the dog’s background are crucial in training. If it’s a stray dog, it might take more effort, but it can be trained, thereby correcting its behavior. The situation is much better with purebred and intelligent dogs. However, the most critical aspect of training has always been and will be the owner’s involvement, not the dog’s age or breed.