1. Puppies should not leave the house until they are fully vaccinated.

The critical socialization period for puppies occurs from about three weeks to 14 weeks of age. This is a time in a dog’s life when they learn what is safe in their environment. They are also learning “doggie” social skills and what it means to live in the human world. Vaccinations are administered every three to four weeks until at least 15-16 weeks of age, which marks the end of this critical timeframe. If you wait until your puppy has received all vaccinations before exposing them to the world, your puppy may become more fearful as an adult and lack the necessary coping skills to live in the human world.

2. If your puppy has an accident in the house, rub their nose in it.

Housetraining is a process. Young puppies need to eliminate frequently, especially when they are active and playing. Never punish your puppy for having an “accident” in the house. Punishment only teaches your puppy that it is unsafe to eliminate in front of you. They do not instinctively understand that eliminating the inside is “bad” and the outside is “good”. It is your responsibility to guide them, supervise their actions, and reward them when they choose to eliminate outside.

3.  My dog is afraid because they were abused.

See Myth #1. If your dog cowers and flinches every time you raise your voice or give the “you should know better” stare, chances are it was not abused but rather under-socialized. Genetics can also play a role in this behavior.

4.  My dog is angry at me and just being spiteful.

Dogs do not possess the same level of critical thinking skills as humans. Dogs think in the moment, similar to how a toddler might. For dogs, it is not about long-term consequences, and they do not stay awake at night plotting their next move. Their actions are based on what works for them in the moment. Behaviors that caregivers may interpret as anger or spite are often motivated by anxiety, frustration, and fear instead.

5.  My dog is jealous.

Just as with anger and spite, dogs do not experience jealousy, at least not to the level that humans do. Once again, it is more about the immediate moment and other basic emotions driving behavior rather than an ulterior motivation such as jealousy.

6.  My dog is being dominant. I must show him who is Alpha.

Dominance in dogs has been debunked.  The term “alpha” came from a study based on wolf behavior and is no longer used. Comparing dogs to wolves can often be misleading. Humans have significantly altered both the appearance and behavior of domesticated dogs. However, wolves do not adhere to an “alpha” structure; instead, they form a family unit that lives and hunts together, comprising a breeding pair (commonly referred to as mom and dad) and their offspring, which may include members from current and previous litters. The size of the pack varies depending on the availability of food in the area. Most conflicts are resolved without fighting to prevent injuries. If dogs are fighting or showing aggression, it is often due to social anxiety, not a desire to dominate. They act out because they do not feel safe.

7.  Certain breeds learn differently than other dogs.

The process of learning is universal among animals. They learn through making associations and experiencing consequences as they interact with their environment. It is incorrect to label dogs, or certain breeds, as stubborn. Often, the issue lies with the human handler. Utilizing food as lures without providing reinforcements quickly enough or in the appropriate manner can lead to misunderstandings. It may seem as though your dog is stubborn when, in reality, the instructions provided are not clear or timely.

8.  Shock collars and prong collars don’t hurt if you use them properly.

Some trainers advocate using “all the tools in your toolbox”, suggesting that you need to “correct” your dog when they make mistakes to teach them what they did was wrong. While it is true that these tools can be effective in the right hands, they are not necessary. The potential for negative side effects often outweighs the benefits. Research has shown that dogs can learn just as fast, if not faster, through positive reinforcement techniques rather than positive punishment and using aversive tools. Positive punishment involves adding something undesirable (like shock or pain) to stop a behavior.

9.  My dog tried to bite me; I should contact a trainer.

Behavior issues can be complex, stemming from underlying medical conditions, emotional problems, or mental health issues. Therefore, it is advisable to start with a thorough examination by your veterinarian if your dog exhibits behavioral issues. In some cases, the next step might be to consult a veterinary behaviorist before considering a trainer. Contacting a trainer can be beneficial for teaching basic behaviors like sit, come, and walk nicely on a leash, but may not always be the best first step for addressing behavior problems.

10.  My dog growled at me. I need to punish the growl.

One of the most important behaviors to reinforce rather than punish in dogs is growling. Growling serves as information, signaling that a dog feels uncomfortable in a situation. It is not an act of aggression but a form of communication. Address growling constructively by identifying and avoiding the actions that trigger it. Punishing a growl risks suppressing this warning signal, potentially leading to a bite without any preceding warning.