Myths and Tails By Dorothy Miner

 

 

As long as humans and canines have lived together there have been myths, legends, and old wives’ tales about dogs.  Some are silly, some are scary, and many of them are just plain untrue.   A few that persist to this day should be put to rest.  Here are some of those:  

Don’t start obedience training a dog before 6 months because it will “break his spirit.”  This myth came about because early “old school” training could be very hard on dogs.  Most early training methods involved the use of choke or pinch collars and a lot of yanking on the leash.  Thankfully, training has evolved over the years as we understand more about how dogs learn.  Early puppy training done in a positive fashion and paired with socialization results in happy, confident adult dogs.   And there is a volume of proof that positive training of adult dogs, with a bare minimum of force, is extremely effective.  There’s no need for “broken spirits.”

 

A dog trained with food will only work if food is present, and will not be working to please his master.  Another version:  A dog trained with food will not respect his owner’s authority.   This is pure hooey.  A studied use of treats as reinforcement makes it easier for the dog to learn, and makes the learning process fun and rewarding.  A good trainer knows when and how to start cutting back on the goodies so that the dog will work with or without treats.  The bond of love and trust is what will make your dog respect you. 

A Wagging tail means happy dog.  This one isn’t true, and it can be dangerous.  Dogs wag their tails for many reasons.  A wagging tail usually means a happy dog, but it can also be a warning.  It’s dangerous to assume that every tail-wagging dog is safe to pet.  Unless you are able to interpret a dog’s body language, it’s best to be cautious.

 

You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.  Also not true.  Training an older dog may take a bit longer if long-term habits have to be changed, but an older dog can learn very well.  One of my favorite TV shows, Mythbusters, did a segment on this.  They trained a pair of senior Malamutes to do a few behaviors that they did not already know and the dogs learned well and quickly. 

 

Tug of war will make a dog mean.  Not really.  Tug of war can be a great bonding game and stress-buster for many dogs.  I still don’t advise it for dogs who have exhibited aggression towards their owners, though. 

It’s best to let a female dog have a litter before having her spayed.   Again, not true.  Having puppies is not essential for a female dog’s health and well-being.  Actually, spaying at the appropriate age will prevent or lessen the chances for several serious health problems.  A good reason for spaying is that there are way too many puppies and dogs who will die in shelters or on the streets because there aren’t enough homes for all of them.

 

Neutering will make a male dog wimpy and less protective.  This is another myth that can be put to rest.  A male dog neutered at an appropriate age will still be a good protector, assuming he’s of a breed or mix that has a protective nature. 

 

Spaying/Neutering will make a dog fat.  No.  Overfeeding and under-exercising will make your dog fat.  True, a neutered male may need fewer calories than an intact one because he’s not running the streets looking for love, and a spayed female will not need all the extra food required for a nursing mother.   But as long as we control the food intake and provide the necessary exercise, they don’t have to be fat.   

Other myths are fun and harmless.  For instance:  Myth has it that Shih Tzus are incarnations of mischievous household gods, or that they carry the souls of ancient lamas on their search for Nirvana.  It is also said that Pembroke Welsh Corgis used to be harnessed by Welsh fairies to pull their tiny carriages, and that’s why to this day they carry the harness markings on their shoulders.  Other tales are a bit darker, such as the belief that the appearance of a white dog means that someone is about to die. 

 

But other old myths should just be filed away under “Dumb Things We Used to Believe.” 

 
 

Dorothy Miner is a long-time dog obedience and tracking instructor, judge of canine events, and author.  She teaches weekly classes for the Allen Correctional Institution’s PETS Program and provides training and consultation under the banner of “Sidekicks” and “Training for Dogs and Their People.”