There are plenty of myths and misconceptions about dogs. For example, how many times have you heard that dogs can only see in black and white, or that you have to be the alpha or pack leader to successfully train your canine, or even that sleeping with your dog is not good for you.
In this video, we will separate fact from fiction by sharing 16 myths about dogs.

Dogs can catch a cold
Most people believe if they get a cold, their dog will get sick too. But dogs don’t catch a cold from humans. This is because the viruses that cause cold-like symptoms in humans and in dogs rarely jump from one species to the other, so you can rest easy about giving your dog your case of the sniffles. But remember, if your dog is sick, other dogs in the neighborhood could be at risk of contracting whatever virus is causing your dog’s cold, so keep your dog away from other dogs until he is feeling better.
Sleeping with your dog is not good for you
Animal experts have long advised dog owners not to sleep with their pets because it will promote poor behavior in the animal and could lead to serious illness in humans. However, this myth has now been debunked and many vets now believe concerns over such issues are overstated or just incorrect.
According to recent research published by Mayo Clinic Proceedings, sharing your bedroom with your canine companion may actually improve your sleep.
As long as both you and your dog are healthy and the dog isn’t under the covers, it’s perfectly safe to snuggle up with your furry friend every night. Just make sure your dog has no fleas, ticks, parasites, or illnesses, and that he has up-to-date vaccinations.
Human foods are bad for dogs
Obvious treats such as chocolate or onions should never be fed to your canine. But some foods such as apples, bananas, or daily products are fine for dogs to snack on. It’s important to remember that these human foods should be given in moderation, and they shouldn’t replace your dog’s actual balanced meal.
Once a dog bites, it’s time to put them to sleep
Many people believe that when a dog bites someone, it will happen again. The dog can’t be trusted again and that it is time to put them down to sleep.
No one wants to euthanize their pet after a biting incident, and really, no one has to either. It's understandable that a dog bite can be scary and stressful, but it’s important to remember that aggression in dogs is a treatable problem. Since every dog and every situation is different, make sure to discuss with a canine behavior consultant or your veterinarian to determine what caused the dog to bite in the first place, and how it can be prevented from happening in the future. More often than not, dogs will resort to biting when they feel threatened or abused.
Rescue dogs aren’t good pets
There are many myths surrounding rescue dogs. These myths can be very harmful and even deter potential fosters. Some people think that rescue dogs are bad because you don't know their background or where they came from. Or that shelter dogs are there for a good reason.
Don't assume all pets were banished to a shelter for some wrongdoing! There are plenty of pets in shelters because of an owner's inescapable situation. There are even people who give up on their pet because they welcome a newborn. And remember, if a rescue is aggressive, it is probably because they were poorly treated, and didn’t receive proper socialization or training. So next time you decide to get a dog, try to give a rescue pet a chance.
Your dog must see you as the “alpha”
This myth has long been propagated among dog trainers. Dog owners are told that they must be “the alpha dog” or "the leader of the pack" to dominate their pet dogs to get them to behave.
However, dog training research has revealed over and over that dogs do not need to be dominated to be well behaved. In fact, dogs whose owners use reward-based training and praise are overall more well-balanced and happier.
One Year of a Dog’s Life is Equal to 7 Human Years
How dogs age can vary by breed, but there’s no evidence that a year in dog life equals seven years of human life.
A 2019 study by researchers at the University of California San Diego revealed a new method to calculate the actual age of dogs. By tracking changes in DNA molecules and methyl group patterns, scientists were able to estimate the ages of dogs.
Based on this study, a 1-year-old dog was comparable to a 31-year-old human, while a 5-year-old dog is comparable to a 57-year-old human.
A dog will always cry out if they’re feeling pain.
Canines have inherited an instinct to hide any outward signs of pain. In the wild, an animal that is injured or infirm is vulnerable to attack, and there is a survival advantage to act like nothing is wrong even when something most definitely is. Our pet dogs still suppress many of the obvious signals of pain to protect themselves and their social standing in their pack.