Fact or Fiction? | The 10 Most Common Dog Myths

As a dog owner, your primary goal is to keep your dog safe, happy, and healthy. Unfortunately, there are many myths circulating about dog care, personality, and more. In this blog, we’re going to cover some of the most common myths about dogs so you can identify fact from fiction. Without further ado, here are 10 of the most common dog myths:

1. Dog Years

You’ve probably heard the age-old rumor that one dog year is equivalent to 7 human years. This is fictional, at least partly. It’s impossible to accurately compare human age to dog age as we reach different stages of development than dogs do. The best way to get an accurate picture of how old your dog is is to learn about the different stages of a dog’s life. 

Different breeds will take different amounts of time to reach maturity and lifespans can vary based on size and genetics as well. For example, smaller dogs develop faster and live longer meaning that it takes them longer to be considered “old” than it would for a larger dog.

2. Dogs See in Black & White

While it’s true that dogs don’t see in color the way that humans do, they can see some colors. Typically, most dogs can see shades of blue, yellow, or gray. This means that their world is not devoid of color and is instead more akin to what humans with color blindness would see. 

3. Human Food Is Safe For Dogs

Many of us feed our dogs people food. Maybe more than we care to admit. If we can eat it, why can’t they? Unfortunately, not all human foods are safe for dogs. While some people’s food is okay in small quantities, others like chocolate or grapes can pose a serious threat to a dog’s health and wellbeing. This blog covers 10 foods dogs should not eat if you want to learn more about human food that your four-legged friend should avoid.

4. Only Happy Dogs Wag Their Tails

Tail-wagging is often associated with happiness in dogs, but that’s not always the case. When a dog wags its tail, it’s actually a sign of emotional arousal, which can indicate various emotions such as excitement, anxiety, or even aggression. To better understand how they’re feeling, pay attention to other cues like their ear position, body posture, and facial expressions. These signals can help you determine if the tail wagging reflects happiness or something else.

5. You Can’t Teach An Old Dog New Tricks

Whether you own a dog or not, you’ve likely heard the saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” But guess what? It’s completely untrue! Dogs can learn at any age—it might just take a little more time with older dogs. Our comprehensive guide to training an older dog will provide everything you need to know about helping them master new tricks and behaviors.

6. You Can Catch A Cold From Your Dog

It’s very unlikely that you will catch a cold from your dog. People with weakened immune systems are slightly more susceptible, but it’s still uncommon. Be sure to wash your hands after caring for your dog if you suspect they may be sick with something contagious. For more information on whether dog-related illnesses can be passed on to others, read our blog on how to prevent kennel cough. 

7. Shaving Your Dog’s Fur in Summer Cools Them Down

We shed some layers when it gets hot, so why not do the same for your dog? This “fact” is total fiction. It can often have the opposite effect. Many dogs have double coats that help them stay cool in hot temperatures as well as warm in cold weather. If you shave it down, they may overheat. It can also lead to insect bites, sunburn, and skin cancer if you shave too close to the skin.

Want to keep your dog cool in the summer? Here are 9 tips for how to keep your dog cool. At The Dog Kennel Collection, we also offer climate control features, including AC units that will help your dog stay cool inside their kennel, even during the blistering summer months. 

8. Dogs Hate Cats

We’ve all seen this myth play out on TV: dogs chasing cats, cats hissing and swiping back. It’s a classic trope that paints cats as a dog’s natural enemy. But here’s the truth—it’s pure fiction! While dogs and cats may have different ways of looking at the world, with the right breed, proper training, and thoughtful socialization, they can form lifelong friendships.

9. When Dogs Eat Grass It Means They Are Sick

Dogs don’t eat grass to make themselves sick because they have eaten something that has upset their stomach. The real reason dogs eat grass is likely because it tastes yummy. Especially in spring or summer months when it’s fresh and green. It’s safe for them to eat as long as it hasn’t been sprayed with harmful chemicals. If you’re curious about how to detect food poisoning, here are some common symptoms dogs experience. 

10. Dogs Show Guilt When They’ve Done Something Wrong

This myth does have some truth to it! Dogs will react to your anger by tucking in their tail, pulling back their ears, or even hiding their face from yours. However, this is likely just a gesture to ease your anger and not because they feel guilty.  The emotions that dog’s experience and how similar they are to humans emotions is still largely debated. 

Other Misconceptions About Dogs

We only covered some of the most common dog myths. There are many things that people think about dogs that aren’t entirely true. Let’s cover some other beliefs about dogs that are more fiction than fact.

1. All Dogs Can Naturally Swim

Not all dogs can swim. Just like people, many dog breeds will require training or additional support from things like life jackets to swim. However, certain breeds like Portuguese Water Dogs may indeed be more inclined to like swimming. 

2. Dogs Like Hugs

It’s hard to resist—dogs are so cute and cuddly that we naturally want to hug them to show our love. But here’s the thing: dogs don’t see hugs the way we do. To them, it can feel like they’re being trapped or pinned down, which might make them feel stressed or even defensive. Instead of feeling loved, they might feel ready to fight. To keep your dog comfortable, it’s best to either train them to tolerate hugs or find other ways to show your affection.

3. Rubbing Your Puppy’s Nose In An Accident Helps With Potty Training

There’s a common myth that doing this after your dog has an accident will teach them they’ve done something wrong during potty training. In reality, it doesn’t help at all. In fact, it can make your dog see you as harsh and unpredictable, making them less likely to respond to training. If you’re struggling with potty training, check out this guide for effective tips instead.

4. It’s Ok to Leave Your Dog in a Car With The Windows Down on a Hot Day

It is NEVER okay to leave your dog alone in a hot car. Just as you wouldn’t leave a child, you should never leave a dog in a hot car—even with the windows cracked. Cars can heat up rapidly in the summer, leading to heatstroke, which can be fatal for animals within minutes. Unlike humans, dogs can’t sweat or regulate their body temperature as effectively. Don’t take the risk—your dog’s safety depends on it.

5. Rescue Dogs Are Not Good Around Small Children

You may have heard that rescue dogs aren’t suitable for families with young children due to behavioral challenges or sensitivities. While this can be true for some rescue dogs, it’s not the case for all. In fact, one of the most common reasons dogs end up in shelters is that their previous owners could no longer care for them. Many rescue dogs are well-trained and perfectly suited for life in a family with young children.

6. A Little Bit of Chocolate is Fine For Dogs

You have probably heard this after your dog has accidentally gotten ahold of some chocolate. While it’s true that small amounts of chocolate might not harm a larger dog, that doesn’t mean chocolate is ever safe for dogs. Chocolate contains theobromine, a chemical that’s toxic to them. If your dog eats a significant amount of chocolate, don’t wait—call your vet right away.

7. You Can Give A Dog Ibuprofen If They’re Unwell

Never give your dog pain medication meant for humans. Medications like ibuprofen can cause serious harm to your dog, including stomach ulcers, kidney failure, or liver damage, which can be fatal. If your dog seems unwell, the best thing you can do is contact your vet. They’ll prescribe safe, effective medication tailored to your dog’s needs. Always prioritize their safety and health!

8. A Female Dog Feels “Empty” If They Do Not Have A Litter

This is another common myth. It’s easy to project our own feelings onto our dogs and assume they might feel unfulfilled without having puppies—but that’s simply not true. Similarly, the idea that a female dog should have one litter before being spayed is also false. In fact, spaying offers many health benefits, including reducing the risk of uterine infections, certain cancers, and more.

Dog Care in Winter Myths

Many myths also exist surrounding what your dog can and can’t handle when it comes to the winter weather. Maybe you’ve been told: “Just tie them up outside; their coat can handle it”! Or something as extreme as: “Make sure your dog wears a boot, goggles, and a coat”! Even if they are outside for only a few moments. We may not know everything about dogs here. However, we are here to help set the record straight, bust the dog myths, and get you winter tips for what your dog can handle this winter season.

1. You Must Feed Your Dog More in Winter

This myth has both truth and fiction, which is why it lands in our “dog myth” category. Some dogs, like Huskies, Golden Retrievers, and Australian Shepherds, love spending time outdoors in the winter, burning extra energy as they play in the snow. These active pups may need a bit more food to maintain a healthy weight. On the other hand, dogs that dislike the cold, such as Pit Bulls, Pugs, or Chihuahuas, often spend more time indoors and expend less energy. For these indoor-loving dogs, you may not need to increase their food—and in some cases, you might even cut back a little. In short, active outdoor dogs may need more food during the winter, while indoor dogs likely won’t.

2. All Dogs Can Handle Extreme Temperatures

While all dogs can enjoy being outside in the winter, not all can handle extreme cold for extended periods. Dogs with double coats, like Golden Retrievers, Huskies, and Australian Shepherds, have a topcoat and a thick undercoat, making them better suited for harsh weather. In contrast, short-haired dogs have less insulation and may need extra protection, like jackets or boots, to stay safe in the cold. So, while all dogs can brave the winter, some are naturally equipped for it, while others might need a little extra help to stay warm and healthy.

3. The Winter Weather Will Make Your Dog Drink More Water

In winter, the dry air from heaters can make dogs feel thirstier, which is perfectly normal. However, if your dog is drinking significantly more than usual, it’s not just about the weather—it could be a sign of a medical issue. If your pup seems excessively thirsty, it’s best to schedule a visit to the vet to rule out any health concerns.

4. Fireplaces Are Dangerous For Dogs

Dogs love curling up by the fire just as much as we do—it’s warm, cozy, and comforting. However, the dangers of an open fire are the same for dogs as they are for humans. Sparks or embers from a wood stove, pellet stove, or fireplace can cause burns or even start a fire. To keep your dog safe, always use a proper fireplace cover or screen to prevent accidents. 

So, while this is mostly true, with the right precautions, you and your pup can enjoy the warmth of the fire all winter long without worry. If you’re unsure how to care for your dog during the winter, these tips are a great starting point for keeping them safe and comfortable.

Keep Your Dog Safe Year-Round

As you can see, there are plenty of myths about dog care, but we hope this guide helped clear them up and made caring for your dog simpler. At The Dog Kennel Collection, we’re dedicated to keeping your dog safe and comfortable year-round. That’s why our kennels come equipped with climate control features—so you’ll never have to wonder about shaving your dog’s fur in the summer or worry about them braving the extreme cold in winter. Explore our kennels to see how they provide the ultimate protection for outdoor dogs in any weather or contact us to create a custom kennel tailored to your pet’s unique needs.