Facts, Not Fluff
Letting the facts off the lead, and putting the myths to rest...
Myth: You have to wait until a puppy is 6 months old to start training
Debunked: Puppies are capable of learning from just a few weeks old. Early positive experiences shape their behaviour and prevent future problems. Waiting too long can miss a critical socialisation window.
Myth: You need to be the “alpha” or pack leader
Debunked: The dominance or “alpha” theory stems from outdated wolf studies that have since been discredited. Modern research shows that domestic dogs do not form hierarchical packs like wild wolves. Training based on dominance often leads to fear and confusion, not respect
Myth: You should never use treats – it’s bribery
Debunked: Using food rewards is not bribery – it’s positive reinforcement, which is scientifically proven to be the most effective and ethical training method. Over time, treats can be phased out and replaced with other reinforcers like praise or play.
Myth: Using a shock collar or prong collar is a quick fix for behaviour problems
Debunked: Aversive tools may suppress behaviour temporarily but often increase anxiety, fear, and reactivity over time. Positive reinforcement is more effective and builds trust without risk of emotional fallout.
Myth: You have to punish bad behaviour to stop it
Debunked: Punishment can suppress behaviour temporarily but often leads to fear, aggression, or worsening problems. Positive reinforcement builds trust and promotes long-term learning without side effects
Myth: Aggression is a sign of dominance
Debunked: Aggression is usually a response to fear, pain, stress, frustration, or poor socialisation — not an attempt to dominate. Labeling dogs as “dominant” can delay or prevent proper behavioural support.
Myth: You can’t train small dogs – they’re too stubborn
Debunked: All dogs, regardless of breed or size, are trainable. Perceived stubbornness is often a result of unclear communication or inconsistent training methods.
Myth: A wagging tail always means a happy dog
Debunked: Tail wagging can indicate excitement, arousal, anxiety, or even a warning. Body language must be read as a whole — not just the tail — to truly understand how a dog is feeling.
Myth: You shouldn’t play tug with your dog – it encourages aggression
Debunked: Tug-of-war is a healthy, enriching game that builds engagement and strengthens the human-dog bond. When played with rules e.g., “drop it”, it teaches impulse control and provides mental and physical stimulation
Fact: Dogs can smell disease
Dogs have an extraordinary sense of smell — up to 100,000 times better than humans. Some are trained to detect cancer, diabetes, or even COVID-19 through scent alone.
Fact: A dog’s nose print is as unique as a human fingerprint
No two dog nose prints are the same, and they can even be used for identification in some countries.
Fact: Dogs can learn hundreds of words
Some dogs, like border collies, have been shown to understand over 1,000 words, on par with a toddler’s vocabulary.
Fact: Tail wagging doesn’t always mean happiness
A wagging tail can mean excitement, nervousness, or even a warning. The direction and speed of the wag matter too — wagging more to the right typically means positive emotions.
Fact: Dogs have sweat glands – but only in their paws
Dogs regulate temperature mostly by panting, not sweating. However, they do have sweat glands in the pads of their paws
Fact: Dogs can detect earthquakes and storms
Dogs often sense natural disasters before they occur — likely due to their ability to detect subtle changes in atmospheric pressure and vibrations.
Fact: Your dog knows how you’re feeling
Dogs are experts at reading human emotions, even distinguishing between happy, angry, and sad facial expressions.
Fact: Dogs can “smell time”
Dogs may detect the passage of time by sensing how scents in the environment fade and change — they might know when it’s time for you to come home based on scent dissipation.
Fact: Stroking your dog lowers your blood pressure
Stroking a dog can lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and increase oxytocin, benefitting both you and your dog.