Dog Myths and Facts by Topic

Krisztina Harasztosi
Oct 26
3 min read

You’re a good dog owner. You care, you read, and you try to do what’s best for your dog. The problem isn’t your effort, it’s the information.

terrier type black and white dog looks in the camera

Dog training is full of urban legends, folk tales, and outdated science that sounded right decades ago but no longer holds up. Even advice from TV trainers or social media can lead you away from what truly helps your dog feel safe and learn calmly. Not every piece of advice online or generated by AI tools is true or based on current science.

Always check your sources and look for qualified, evidence-based professionals.

This myth-busting guide is here to clear the fog and bring you simple, science-based truths about how dogs really learn, think, and feel.

1. Feelings and Emotions

Myth #1: Dogs know right from wrong.

Facts: Dogs have no moral compass. They learn what is safe or unsafe through guidance. Reinforce good behaviour, and unwanted ones fade.

Myth #2: Dogs feel guilt or spite.

Facts: Dogs have the emotions of a 2½-year-old child — joy, fear, frustration, excitement. They don’t feel guilt or revenge.

Myth #3: Comforting a fearful dog makes it worse.

Facts: Fear is not a choice. Comfort helps your dog feel safe and recover faster.

Myth #4: Dogs misbehave on purpose.

Facts: Dogs do what works and what feels right to them. Behaviours like jumping, barking, or stealing express emotions and needs. They are ways dogs communicate stress, excitement, or uncertainty.

Myth #5: Growling means aggression.

Facts: Growling is communication. It means “I’m uncomfortable.” Punishing growling removes the warning and can lead to a bite.

Myth #6: He must face his fears to overcome them.

Facts: Flooding dogs with what they fear makes it worse. Confidence grows through small, safe, gradual exposure.

2. Thinking and Learning

Myth #7: Dogs think like humans.

Facts: Dogs think like dogs. Their problem-solving can reach the level of a 5–10-year-old child, but they stay cautious and focused on the present.

Myth #8: Dogs are dominant or trying to be the boss.

Facts: Dogs need structure and safety, not control. They want to feel secure, not powerful.

Myth #9: Punishment teaches respect.

Facts: Punishment adds fear. Calm, clear teaching builds trust.

Myth #10: Dogs listen out of love.

Facts: Love builds bonds. Reinforcement teaches learning. Praise, food, and play all matter.

Myth #11: Food in training is bribery.

Facts: Food helps learning. Later you can reward with play or praise. Sniffing and eating lower stress and calm the brain.

3. Everyday Behaviour and Management

Myth #12: Using barriers, easy training setups, or removing temptation means failure and "giving-in".

Facts: Management is proactive. Using gates, leashes, or simple setups prevents natural dog behaviours like jumping, stealing food, or roaming. Prevention keeps everyone safe and calm.

Myth #13: Crates teach calm.

Facts: Locking dogs in crates too soon can cause separation-related issues. Calm alone time and confinement must be taught slowly.

Myth #14: Dogs outgrow behaviour problems.

Facts: Unwanted habits don’t vanish. Training and support are needed.

Myth #15: More dogs mean better socialisation.

Facts: Quality over quantity. Calm, positive meetings teach best.

4. Body Language and Communication

Myth #16: Tail wagging means happy.

Facts: Tail wagging means arousal. It can signal excitement or stress. Watch the whole body.

Myth #17: Eye contact shows control.

Facts: Direct staring can feel like a threat. Use soft eyes. turn your side to fearful or unsure dogs. Especially if it is not your own.

Myth #18: Belly-up means rub my belly.

Facts: Sometimes yes, sometimes fear or passive appeasement. Look for relaxed muscles and a soft face.

Myth #19: He’s guarding me because he loves me.

Fact: Most barking dogs are actually anxious or uncertain. It is not about affection.

Myth #20: An anxious or reactive dog can be trained as a good guard or protection dog.

Facts: Fearful or defensive aggression is unpredictable and unsafe. These dogs are reacting from fear, not protecting, and training them for guarding can cause loss of control and serious risk.

5. History and Origins

Myth #21: Dogs come from wolves and need a leader.

Facts: Dogs and wolves share a distant ancestor. Dogs were domesticated 20–40,000 years ago. They lived near humans and scavenged food. Even wolves live in family groups, not dominance packs.

Simple truth

Dogs are not trying to be bad. They are trying to cope, communicate, and feel safe.Teach calm, reward the good, and listen when they speak through behaviour.