Blog - Fact or fiction? Dog myths explained

Dogs can fall in love

TRUE. They don't call it puppy love for nothing. Science shows that a dog’s brain releases oxytocin - the love hormone - when it interacts with humans and dogs, just the same as a human brain does when we hug or kiss.

Spaying or neutering my pet will change their personality

FALSE. Personality is not all about sex hormones – except perhaps in some teenagers! But some unwanted behaviours may be reduced, such as roaming, mounting, fighting or urine spraying.

Dogs can only see in black and white

FALSE. Although they can’t see the world in full technicolour like we can, dogs can see some colours. Their eyes detect fewer colours than ours, so their perception is similar to humans with colour blindness.

A female dog feels ‘empty’ if they don’t have a litter

FALSE. While hormones can affect the way the animal feels, dogs do not have the capacity to feel broody.

I need to show my dog who’s boss by being the pack leader

FALSE. Dominance based dog training is based on studies of captive wolves in the 1970s which popularised the theory that ‘alpha’ wolves become the leader of the pack by being aggressive towards other wolves. But science has moved on and this theory has now been debunked. So ignore trainers who tell you to eat your dinner before giving your pet theirs!

Dogs have their own unique ‘fingerprint’

TRUE. Only this unique print is not found on their paws – but on their nose. This noseprint is as unique as a human fingerprint, and is so distinct that it can actually be used to identify them.

Dogs only eat grass when they are sick

FALSE. Dogs eat grass because it’s tasty.

I won’t be able to show my pet if I have them spayed or neutered

FALSE. Changes in the Kennel Club regulations mean that neutered pedigree dogs can be shown.

You can’t teach an old dog new tricks

FALSE. Puppies’ brains soak up new information like sponges and they learn quickly but, while it takes a little longer, you can train an adult dog.

Dogs and cats are left or right handed

TRUE. Most pets use one of their front paws more, in the same way humans are left or right handed.

Neutering a male dog will ‘emasculate’ them

FALSE. Removing a dog’s testicles does not make them female. In fact, it reduces the risk of some cancers and makes them less likely to show aggression towards other dogs.

Dogs and cats hate each other

FALSE. Although dogs and cats are often portrayed as enemies, if introduced carefully, they can actually get on extremely well.   Article By the Blue Cross