Dog owners know what it’s like to be constantly bombarded with advice, tips, and stories from fellow pet parents.
Some of these pieces of information are helpful, while others have been passed down through generations but have little truth to them.
Over the years, I’ve heard countless myths about dogs—some that even I believed until I dug deeper.
Understanding what’s true and what’s simply misinformation can make all the difference in how we care for our dogs.
In this article, I’ll debunk 10 common myths about dogs that you should stop believing right now.
Contents
1. A Wagging Tail Always Means a Happy Dog
One of the most widespread myths is that a dog’s wagging tail always means they’re happy. While a wagging tail can indicate excitement or happiness, it’s not always the case.
Dogs use their tails to communicate a variety of emotions, including anxiety, fear, or even aggression.
The position and speed of the wag also matter—a low, slow wag could mean the dog is unsure or uncomfortable, while a high, fast wag might signal excitement.
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2. Dogs Only See in Black and White
Many people believe that dogs can only see in shades of black and white, but this is a myth.
While dogs don’t see color in the same way humans do, they can perceive certain colors.
Their vision is similar to someone who is colorblind—they see the world primarily in shades of blue and yellow.
I used to think my dog saw everything in grayscale, but after learning more about canine vision, I realized that their world isn’t as dull as we once thought.
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3. You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
The saying “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” has been around for ages, but it’s completely untrue.
Dogs of any age can learn new behaviors and commands. In fact, older dogs can often be easier to train than puppies because they have better focus and are less distracted by everything around them.
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4. One Dog Year Equals Seven Human Years
The “one dog year equals seven human years” formula is overly simplistic and doesn’t accurately reflect the way dogs age.
Dogs mature much faster during their first few years of life, and the aging process varies depending on their breed and size.
Larger dogs tend to age faster than smaller dogs, meaning a Great Dane will reach senior status much sooner than a Chihuahua.
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5. Dogs Shouldn’t Sleep in Your Bed
There’s long been a debate about whether dogs should sleep in their owner’s bed. Some believe that allowing a dog to sleep with you will make them overly dependent or lead to behavioral problems.
However, studies have shown that letting your dog sleep in your bed can actually strengthen the bond between you and provide comfort to both the dog and the owner.
For years, I resisted letting my dog sleep in the bed, thinking it would create bad habits. But once I allowed it, I found that we both slept better, and it didn’t affect her independence in the least.
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6. Dogs Will Let You Know When They’re in Pain
We love to think that our dogs will always tell us when they’re in pain, but the reality is that dogs are masters at hiding discomfort.
In the wild, showing signs of weakness could make them vulnerable, and this instinct still exists in domesticated dogs.
Subtle signs like limping, decreased appetite, or changes in behavior may be the only clues that something is wrong.
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7. Dogs Only Need Exercise If They’re Young or Active
It’s easy to assume that older dogs don’t need as much exercise as younger, more energetic pups, but this is a myth.
All dogs, regardless of age, need regular physical activity to maintain their health and well-being. Of course, the intensity and duration of exercise may vary depending on your dog’s age, breed, and physical condition, but every dog needs some form of daily activity.
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8. Dogs Feel Guilty When They’ve Done Something Wrong
Many dog owners believe their dog feels guilty when they come home to find chewed-up shoes or a torn-up couch.
We often interpret their “guilty look”—ears back, lowered head, and puppy eyes—as an admission of guilt. However, studies show that dogs don’t actually feel guilt the way we do.
What we interpret as guilt is likely just a response to our angry tone or body language.
I used to think my dog felt bad when I scolded her for digging in the yard, but in reality, she was just responding to my disapproving voice.
Dogs live in the moment, and while they can certainly learn from our reactions, they don’t dwell on past mistakes the way humans do.
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9. Dogs Eat Grass Because They’re Sick
It’s a common belief that dogs only eat grass when they’re feeling sick or have an upset stomach.
While it’s true that some dogs may eat grass and then vomit, most dogs eat grass simply because they like it. Grass can offer some roughage and may even taste good to them.
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10. A Dry Nose Means Your Dog Is Sick
A common misconception is that a dry nose is a sure sign that your dog is unwell. While a dry nose can sometimes indicate dehydration or fever, it’s not always the case. Dogs’ noses can be wet or dry at different times throughout the day depending on the environment, activity level, or even the time of day.
I’ve noticed my dog’s nose fluctuate between wet and dry, sometimes within the same hour, and she’s been perfectly healthy.
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Final Thoughts
As much as we love our dogs, we owe it to them to separate fact from fiction when it comes to their care.
These myths, while widespread, can sometimes lead us to make choices that aren’t in the best interest of our pets.
By debunking these common misconceptions, you can become more informed and provide the best possible care for your dog.