We’ve all heard them. The “facts” about dogs passed around like a tennis ball at the park – sometimes confidently, sometimes with that classic “I read it somewhere” energy. But guess what? Not all of them are actually true.
Let’s set the record straight, once and for all. Because your dog deserves better than outdated advice and let’s be honest – we humans could use a few myth-busting moments too.
Myth 1: You can’t teach an old dog new tricks
Come on, this one’s so outdated it might as well be a flip phone. Dogs can learn at any age – it’s just about how you teach them. Older dogs might need a bit more patience, but they’re often calmer and more focused than their zoomy younger selves.
In other words: they’ve still got it. And yes, we’re very much here for retirement-age dogs crushing agility courses at DogFest.
Myth 2: Dogs feel guilty when they’ve done something wrong
You know that look – the big eyes, the lowered head, the “I definitely chewed the sofa but I’m too cute to be mad at” face? That’s not guilt. That’s just your dog reacting to your tone or body language.
They’re not plotting an apology. They’re just trying to figure out if you’re upset… and whether now’s a good time to ask for a snack anyway.
Myth 3: Dry noses = sick dogs
Let’s clear this one up: a dry nose does not automatically mean your dog is unwell. Noses go from wet to dry for loads of totally normal reasons – like lying in the sun or just waking up from a nap.
Unless it’s cracked, crusty, or you’re seeing other symptoms, don’t panic. (And maybe stop booping their nose every 10 minutes “just to check,” yeah?)
Myth 4: Dogs eat grass when they’re feeling sick
This one’s been around forever. But the truth is, lots of dogs just… like grass. Some munch it out of boredom, some because it’s there, and others might do it to help digestion.
It’s not always a red flag. Though if your pup’s eating half the lawn daily or acting off, that’s your cue to check in with your vet.
Myth 5: One human year equals seven dog years
Ah yes, the ol’ dog-math classic. It’s been around forever, but it’s not quite right. The truth? Dogs age at different rates depending on their size, breed, and even genetics. A Great Dane doesn’t age the same way a Chihuahua does – and neither of them are using a seven-times table.
So while it’s a fun little rule of thumb, it’s not exactly science. Think of it this way: your dog’s age is unique to them – just like their weird sleeping positions or obsession with that one squirrel in the garden.
The bottom line?
Not everything you hear about dogs is gospel.
At DogFest, we’re all about learning new things – especially if it helps us understand our four-legged sidekicks better. So next time someone drops a “did you know…” fact about dogs, you’ll be ready to (kindly!) set the record straight.
And if you want even more myth-busting magic? Come chat with our experts, meet the trainers and hang out with fellow dog-lovers who get it.
DogFest isn’t just a good time – it’s a smart one too. See you there?
