As dog owners, we all want to understand our bark-tastic besties better. However, some widely held beliefs about dog behaviour may be leading us astray. Let’s take a closer look at common myths about dog behaviour that could be causing unnecessary confusion, and learn what’s really going on.
Myth 1: A Wagging Tail Always Means a Happy Dog
It’s easy to assume that a wagging tail is a sure sign of a happy dog. However, tail wagging can actually mean a variety of things depending on the context. A high, fast wag might indicate excitement but could also signal aggression or anxiety, while a low, slow wag often means the dog is feeling insecure or submissive.
To truly understand what your dog is communicating, you need to pay attention to their entire body language—eyes, ears, posture—not just the tail.
Myth 2: A Guilty-Looking Dog Feels Guilty
We've all seen the guilty dog face—head down, ears back, avoiding eye contact. It's easy to think that your dog knows they've done something wrong, but this is a misunderstanding. Dogs don't feel guilt in the way humans do. Instead, they are reacting to your body language and tone. They know you're upset, and they adopt submissive behaviours to try and calm the situation down.
Rather than scolding your dog, it’s more effective to focus on training to prevent the behaviour from happening in the first place.
Myth 3: Dogs Bark to Be Aggressive
Barking can be alarming, especially when it’s directed at strangers, but not all barking is a sign of aggression. Dogs bark for many reasons—excitement, fear, boredom, or even to alert you to something. While some barking can stem from protective instincts, it doesn’t necessarily mean the dog is ready to attack.
Understanding the reasons behind your dog’s barking can help you address it more effectively. Is your dog bored and needs more mental stimulation, or are they scared and need reassurance? Figuring out the root cause is key.
If barking becomes excessive, especially due to anxiety or over-excitement, tools like the PoochBarkOff™ can help gently train your dog to bark less, without causing them stress or discomfort. It’s a great way to manage barking while addressing the underlying cause.
Myth 4: Dogs Lick You Because They Love You
When your dog licks your face or hands, it’s tempting to believe that it’s a sign of affection. While dogs do lick to show they’re bonded to you, there are many other reasons they might be doing this. Licking can be a way of gathering information, relieving stress, or even seeking attention.
Next time your dog gives you a few licks, think about the context. Are they anxious, bored, or trying to soothe themselves?
Myth 5: A Dog That Rolls Over Wants a Belly Rub
A dog rolling onto their back isn’t always an invitation for belly rubs. While sometimes it can be a playful signal, it can also be a sign of submission or even stress. In situations where a dog feels intimidated, they may roll over to show they’re not a threat.
Before you reach in for a belly scratch, look at the overall body language. Is your dog relaxed and wagging, or are they tense and avoiding eye contact?
Myth 6: Yawning Means a Dog is Tired
Just like us, dogs yawn when they’re sleepy—but that’s not the only reason! Yawning is also a calming signal dogs use to ease stress or diffuse tension in certain situations. You might see your dog yawn at the vet, during training, or when they’re meeting a new dog, as a way to cope with the unfamiliar environment.
Pay attention to when your dog yawns—it might be their way of saying they’re feeling anxious and need some reassurance.
Myth 7: Dogs That Growl Are Always Aggressive
Growling is often seen as a sign of aggression, but it’s actually an important form of communication for dogs. A growl is your dog’s way of saying they’re uncomfortable or scared, and they want space. It’s a warning, not necessarily an intention to bite. Ignoring growls can escalate the situation, so it’s essential to listen and give your dog the space they need.
Respecting a growl can help avoid conflicts and keep your relationship with your dog based on trust.
Myth 8: You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
This old saying isn’t just inaccurate—it’s misleading. Dogs of all ages can learn new behaviours with patience and positive reinforcement. Older dogs may take a little longer to learn, but they can still be trained effectively. In fact, many senior dogs thrive when given mental stimulation, which helps keep their minds sharp.
Don’t shy away from teaching your older dog new tricks—they’ll enjoy the challenge and the bonding time with you.
Understanding Your Dog Better
Dogs are incredible communicators, but their language is often misunderstood. By breaking down these myths and looking at the truth behind common dog behaviours, you’ll be able to develop a deeper understanding of your pet. With patience, attention, and love, you can build a stronger bond with your dog, ensuring they feel safe, understood, and happy.
Take a moment to observe your dog’s behaviour today—what are they really trying to tell you?
1 comment
Great information.