People lucky enough to share their lives with a dog know just how intelligent these animals can be. And we’re not just talking about the tricks they learn—dogs are even capable of recognizing human emotions through facial expressions.
However, not everything we hear about dogs is true. That’s why today we’re debunking 5 common dog myths that can negatively affect your pet’s behavior and well-being.
The Most Common Dog Myths
Do you think you understand your dog 100%? Maybe your answer is a confident yes—and we won’t argue with that.
Still, many behavioral issues in pets stem from human misinterpretation or misinformation. According to experts, these misunderstandings can lead to serious consequences, including abandonment.
That’s why a deeper understanding of your dog’s mind is essential for a healthy relationship and your dog’s overall well-being.
1️⃣ “It’s okay to hit a dog with a rolled-up newspaper”
❌ False. Any form of physical punishment, no matter how mild, doesn’t teach your dog what’s right—it only instills fear.
If you catch your dog peeing in the wrong place and scare them with a newspaper, you might stop the behavior temporarily. But you’re not showing them the correct alternative. Worse, physical punishment can lead to:
- Fear and anxiety
- Aggression
- Avoidance or escape behaviors
Better approach: Use positive reinforcement and redirect your dog to appropriate behavior.
2️⃣ “Don’t touch puppies or the mother will reject them”
❌ Not true. Canine socialization begins at birth—not just with the mother, but also with the surrounding environment, including humans.
Gentle interaction between people and puppies, in the mother’s presence and with her consent, is not only safe but beneficial. Avoiding early socialization can lead to:
- Fear of humans
- Poor adaptability
- Behavioral issues in adulthood
Related article: Cynophobia – Fear of Dogs
3️⃣ “The dog must know who’s in charge”
⚠️ Misleading. While dogs need to learn behavioral boundaries and respond to commands, this isn’t about dominance or hierarchy.
Although hierarchy exists among dogs, especially in multi-dog households, aggression toward humans is rarely about dominance. More often, it stems from:
- Frustration
- Lack of stimulation
- Emotional distress
Tip: Focus on clear communication, consistency, and enriching your dog’s environment.
4️⃣ “Castration is the best solution for aggression”
🟡 Partially true. Castration reduces testosterone, which influences behavior, but it’s not a cure-all for aggression.
While it can help with issues like urine marking, aggression often requires additional approaches such as:
- Desensitization training
- Behavioral therapy
- Environmental enrichment
Learn more: Castration in Dogs – Health & Behavioral Effects
5️⃣ “Aggressiveness depends on breed and size”
❌ Completely false. While some breeds may have certain temperamental traits, aggression is not determined by size or breed alone.
A dog’s personality is shaped by both temperament and environment. Education, socialization, and treatment play a far greater role than genetics.
Key takeaway: You can’t generalize behavior based on breed. Every dog deserves to be understood as an individual.
Final Thoughts
Have you believed any of these myths? Now you know: not everything said about dogs is true. The more we understand them, the better we can care for them—and build a bond based on trust, respect, and love.
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