Royal Canin

9 Myths About Raising Dogs That I Believed (Until I Became a Dog Trainer)

I'll Admit It: I Was That "Expert"

15 years ago, when I got my first dog, I thought I knew everything. I read one book, watched a few YouTube videos, and I was ready.

Spoiler alert: I knew NOTHING.

My dog ​​Rex suffered because of my "expertise." Not because I was a bad owner - I loved him. But because I believed all the myths I heard from "experienced" dog owners.

Now, after 15 years of working with dogs, I want to share 9 myths that I myself believed. And which are COMPLETELY FALSE.

If you believe in at least one of them - don't worry. I believed in all nine.

Myth #1: "If a Dog Does Something Bad, You Need to Show It Who's the Boss"

What I Believed:

When Rex peed in the house, I thought I had to "show dominance." Speak in a stern voice. Be the "alpha." Maybe even press his muzzle a little in that spot (yes, I did that, and I'm ashamed of it).

Reality:

The "alpha" theory is a MYTH. It was developed based on studies of captive wolves in the 1940s. Even the scientist who developed it later abandoned his theory!

Dogs don't think about "dominance." They think about what works and what doesn't.

What Really Works:

  • Positive reinforcement - reward good behavior
  • Consistency - the same rules always
  • Patience - dogs learn through repetition, not punishment
  • Understanding - why is he doing this? (bored? anxious? untrained?)

When I started using positive reinforcement with Rex, he learned in WEEKS what I couldn't teach in months with "dominance".

Myth #2: "A Dog Has to Eat Under You to Know Its Place"

What I Believed:

I always ate first. Rex had to wait. Sometimes 30 minutes. Watching me eat. With those sad eyes.

Reality:

This has NO impact on your relationship. Wolves in the wild do not eat in a hierarchical order - they all eat together, whoever gets there first.

What Really Matters:

  • Consistent feeding schedule - same time every day
  • The right amount of food - according to size, age, activity
  • Quality food - balanced according to needs
  • Relaxed eating - without stress and rush

Now I feed my dogs when it's convenient for me. Sometimes before my meal, sometimes after. They still love and listen to me.

Myth #3: "If a Dog Sleeps in Bed, He Will Think He's Equal to You"

What I Believed:

Rex could never get on the bed. It was "my" space. If I let him, he would lose respect.

Reality:

Dog in bed = warm, soft, smells like you. That's it. No "dominance" strategy.

The truth is:

It's YOUR choice. If you want your dog to sleep in your bed, great. If you don't, great too. But it has nothing to do with "respect" or "hierarchy."

The only real questions:

  • Are you comfortable with a dog in bed?
  • Is the dog shedding? (get ready for hair)
  • Does the dog snore? (some breeds snore A LOT)
  • Do you have allergies?

My current dog sleeps in the bed. He still listens to all commands. And I sleep better because he keeps my feet warm in the winter.

Myth #4: "A Puppy Should Be Fully Housetrained By 6 Months"

What I Believed:

I stressed that Rex must know all the commands by 6 months. Otherwise it will be "too late."

Reality:

Dogs learn ALL THEIR LIFE. Yes, the puppyhood period (2-6 months) is important for socialization. But the training never ends.

Truth:

  • 2-6 months: Socialization (other dogs, people, sounds, places)
  • 6-12 months: Basic commands and impulse control
  • Years 1-2: Maturation and behavioral development
  • 2+ years: Continuous learning and new tricks

I taught an 8 year old dog new commands. He learned in 2 weeks. "Too late" does not exist.

Important for Puppies:

If you have a puppy, the most important thing is proper nutrition for growth:

Myth #5: "A Dog Shouldn't Get Human Food - It Will Get Spoiled"

What I Believed:

Not a single bite from the table. EVER. Otherwise Rex will become spoiled and won't listen.

Reality:

The problem is not "people food." The problem is WHAT and HOW you give it.

Safe to Give (In Small Amounts):

  • Boiled chicken (boneless and without spices)
  • Boiled eggs
  • Carrots, cucumbers, broccoli
  • Apples (seedless)
  • Natural yogurt

NEVER give:

  • Chocolate, caffeine
  • Onions, garlic
  • Grapes, raisins
  • Xylitol (sweetener)
  • Avocados
  • Alcohol

The Real Problem:

It's not that you're giving food from the table. But:

  • You are giving too much (obesity)
  • You give when the dog walks (you teach it to ask)
  • You are giving unhealthy food
  • You are changing your balanced diet

I sometimes give my dog ​​carrots or boiled chicken. As a treat for good behavior. Not from the table when he's eating. He's not spoiled.

Myth #6: "If a Dog Has Behavior Problems, It's the Breed's Fault"

What I Believed:

"Labradors are always hyperactive." "Beagles never listen." "Small breeds always bark."

Reality:

Breed gives TENDENCIES, not guarantees. Each dog is an individual.

Truth:

  • Breed = certain characteristics are more likely to occur
  • Cultivation = how those qualities manifest
  • Environment = what reinforces or inhibits behavior
  • Individuality = every dog ​​is unique

I have seen the calmest beagles and the most energetic pugs. Breed is no excuse.

If You Have Behavior Problems:

  1. Check your health (pain? illness?)
  2. Assess nutrition (is he getting all the nutrients?)
  3. Look at the environment (bored? stressed?)
  4. Consult a professional

Proper nutrition can have a HUGE impact on behavior. If your dog is restless, check to see if their diet is balanced. .

Myth #7: "A Dog Has to Run 10 km a Day, Otherwise He Will Be Unhappy"

What I Believed:

I felt guilty if I didn't walk Rex for at least an hour twice a day. I thought he was suffering.

Reality:

Different breeds = different needs. And quality > quantity.

Real Needs:

Small breeds (Chihuahua, Yorkshire):
20-30 minutes a day + games at home

Medium breeds (Cocker Spaniels, Bulldogs):
30-60 min per day + mental stimulation

Large breeds (Labradors, Shepherds):
60-120 min per day + training

But most importantly:

  • Mental stimulation = physical activity × 3
  • 15 min of olfactory play = 45 min of walking
  • Quality game > long boring walk

My dog ​​is happier after 20 minutes of intense play than after an hour of lazy walking.

Myth #8: "If a Dog Is Sick, You'll See It Right Away"

What I Believed:

Dogs show when they are in pain. If Rex has eaten and played, he is healthy.

Reality:

Dogs HIDE pain. It's an evolutionary instinct - weakness in nature = danger.

Subtle Signs That Something's Wrong:

  • Less energy than usual
  • Strange breathing
  • Drinking less water (or too much)
  • Strange stools (color, consistency)
  • Avoids certain movements
  • Sleeps more
  • Communicates less
  • Strange smell

What Helps:

  • Regular veterinary check-ups (at least once a year)
  • Observe your usual behavior - you will notice changes
  • Proper nutrition supports immunity
  • Don't forget dental care!

Rex had a dental problem for 2 years before I noticed. He still ate and played. But he suffered silently.

Myth #9: "Expensive Food = Good Food"

What I Believed:

The most expensive food in the store = the best for my dog. Price = quality.

Reality:

Good food = right for YOUR dog. Not the most expensive. Not the most popular. Right.

What Really Matters in Food:

  • Balanced: All necessary nutrients
  • Age appropriate: Puppies, adults, seniors
  • Suitable for size: Small, medium, large breeds
  • Suitable for: Active, sterilized, sensitive stomach
  • Digestible: The dog must digest it well

How to Know If Food is Suitable:

  • The dog is energetic and active.
  • Shiny coat
  • Healthy stools (firm, not too large)
  • Healthy weight
  • Good appetite
  • No skin problems

I tried 5 different "premium" foods with Rex. The best food for him was a mid-priced food that was balanced for his needs.

I recommend By Size:

Supplements That Can Really Help

Sometimes, even with good food, a dog may need extra support:

But ALWAYS consult your veterinarian before giving supplements.

What I Wish I Knew 15 Years Ago

If I could go back and tell myself one thing 15 years ago, it would be:

"Don't listen to everyone. Listen to your dog."

Everyone has an opinion on how to raise a dog. Your mom, your friend, your neighbor, the random person at the park. Everyone "knows better."

But you know what? They don't have YOUR dog. They don't know his character, his needs, his history.

Here's What Really Matters:

  • Watch your dog - he will tell you what is needed
  • Be consistent - it's more important than a "perfect" system
  • Use positive reinforcement - punishments don't build trust
  • Take care of your health - proper nutrition and regular check-ups
  • Be patient - learning takes time.
  • Love your dog - even when he eats your shoes

The Last Word

Rex died 5 years ago. He was 14. And you know what? Despite all the myths I believed, despite all the mistakes I made - we had an amazing life together.

Because the most important thing is not that you do everything perfectly. The most important thing is that you love your dog and try to learn.

I still make mistakes. After 15 years of working with dogs. But now I know that it's normal. And when I learn something new, I change my perspective.

This is not weakness. This is growth.

So if you believed any of these myths - don't worry. Now you know the truth. And you can start differently.

Your dog will thank you.

If you have any questions or need help choosing the right food - I'm here . I'll be happy to help.

With love for dogs and their owners,
Dmitry

PS What myth did YOU believe? Write to me - I want to know that I'm not the only one who was so naive!

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