What are dog owners' most common misconceptions?

Dog owners often have misconceptions about their dogs' behaviour, training, and needs. Here are some of the most common ones:

1. A Wagging Tail Always Means a Happy Dog

Many people assume that tail wagging is a sign of happiness, but it can also indicate anxiety, fear, or even aggression. The position, speed, and stiffness of the tail matter.

2. Dogs Feel Guilty When They Look ‘Guilty’

That sad, guilty look isn't actually a sign of guilt - it's a submissive response to your body language and tone. Dogs don’t feel guilt in the human sense; they react to your emotions.

3. You Should Punish Bad BehavioUr

Yelling or punishing a dog for bad behaviour doesn’t teach them what to do instead. Positive reinforcement (rewarding good behaviour) is far more effective than punishment when they’re learning right from wrong. Correction should only occur - and only if absolutely necessary (e.g. when their safety or welfare is at stake) - when they KNOW how they’re meant to behave, but CHOOSE not to.

4. Dogs That Growl Are Always Aggressive

Growling is a form of communication, often a warning that a dog is uncomfortable. Instead of punishing a growl, understand the cause to prevent escalation.

5. If a Dog Eats Grass, They Must Be Sick

Dogs eat grass for many reasons, including boredom and instinct. It’s not always a sign of illness unless they do it excessively or vomit afterward.

6. Playing Tug-of-War Encourages Aggression

Tug-of-war can actually be a great way to build confidence and strengthen the bond between dog and owner. As long as the dog releases on request, it's a healthy game.

7. You Can't Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

Dogs of any age can learn new commands and behaviours. Older dogs may take longer to learn - particularly when undoing previously learned undesirable behaviours - but they are definitely capable of learning.

8. A Dog Should See You as the ‘Alpha’

The outdated ‘alpha dog’ theory is based on flawed research on wolves. Dogs respond best to guidance, trust, and communication (good leadership) - not forced dominance.

9. Some Breeds Are ALWAYS Aggressive

No breed as a whole is inherently aggressive. A dog’s individual behaviour is shaped by its genetics, environment, training, and socialisation. Some breeds may be more inclined towards aggression - just as some breeds are more inclined towards herding or retrieving - but that is a product of historical selective breeding for this trait.

10. A Warm, Dry Nose Means a Dog Is Sick

A dog’s nose temperature or moisture level varies throughout the day. It’s not a reliable indicator of health - look for other symptoms like lethargy or appetite loss.

11. SOCIALISATION MEANS ENGAGING WITH STRANGE DOGS

One of the most serious misconceptions we hear is that dogs MUST engage with strange dogs they encounter. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Strange dogs present a potential risk to your dog, so teaching your dog to ignore and avoid strange dogs is much more important. Teaching them to interact respectfully with known dogs (e.g. family dogs, friends’ dogs etc.) is a good thing if they are inclined to do so, but if not - or if they show any signs of tension or worry - it’s not worth forcing them to ‘play’. The risk is greater than the reward. Attendance at group classes where direct interaction between dogs is controlled is the best way to help your dog relax and ignore strange dogs. Socialisation actually means your dog understands and is not worried about its environment. It doesn’t mean to socialise with every other dog (as in the human sense of the word).

Do any of these surprise you? Or do you have another dog myth you’re wondering about? If so, please book an appointment.

From group training classes to problem canine behaviour solutions, walk, play and trains to private appointments, and snake avoidance courses to canine myofunctional therapy sessions, Padfoot is the Sunshine Coast’s most trusted professional animal behaviour practice. We’re the team your dog would choose. And we look forward to meeting them soon!

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