We love our old wives’ tales, urban legends, myths, stories. Can’t seem to let them go, even in the face of today’s science and even common sense. I’m one of them. I like to think I have an open mind and can change my mind when facts override the story. Truth be told though, I’ve got a hard head and can be stubborn. Should you repeat any of this to anyone – I’ll deny it! (Just thought you should know.)

Here are a few I’ve looked up:

Some dogs are hypoallergenic:

Ah, well, simply put the answer would be NO. This one I actually got right. What people are allergic to is not the fur/hair of the dog but the dander. Dander is caused by the dog licking itself as it grooms. The saliva then dries and microscopic bits of the saliva, or dander, enter the air and affect the people. Some dogs shed more than others, some shed quite a bit less, but dander is on every dog.

Garlic and/or Brewers Yeast repels fleas:

Not so much. There just isn’t any scientific proof of this. Too much can actually cause harm to the pooch. Although some owners swear by this method.

Makes me wonder though, is there no scientific proof because there hasn’t been any tests or because the tests show no or little results? I do know one thing – if you feed your dog too much garlic it’ll get real bad breath and fart so bad nothing will stay in the house. And I mean NOTHING.

Feeding your dogs raw eggs will give it a shiny coat:

So very wrong. Not even good for humans. Besides the Salmonella factor, the egg whites just aren’t friendly with our B-Complex vitamins. Egg whites have a protein complex avidin, which reacts with and inactivates biotin, a B-complex vitamin. It causes a deficiency of biotin both in humans and dogs. Cooked eggs didn’t show the same results and can be fed safely to dogs who don’t have a weight problem.

Dogs can’t see colors:

I grew up thinking dogs can’t see colors. So I thought this was really cool. Research at the University of California in Santa Barbara in the 1980’s showed just how wrong we’ve been all along. Dogs can distinguish between a red and blue ball, white light and colored lights, but can’t distinguish between colors from greenish yellow through orange and red.

A cold, wet nose means a healthy dog:

Yeah, sort of. Although, the dog could still have a slight fever with a cold, wet nose. So watch for any other signs of illness, like lethargy.

A dry nose isn’t always something to worry about either. It could just be thirsty and a little dehydrated, especially if it’s been active on a hot day. If the nose is dry for more than a day or two, then check with the veterinarian.

Don’t play tug-of-war with your dog:

I’ve been told it can cause a dog to be aggressive. However, it depends on how you play and who ends up with the toy. You should end up with the toy, not the dog. Why? Because you are the Top Dog, the Leader, the one who in nature would end up with the prize. Playing with your dog is fun. Playing with your dog, with your friends and family should always have rules though. Don’t get too rough and end with you having the prize!

Gotta have a big yard for the dog!

Sure, if you plan on playing a lot with your dog in your yard. But really, if you keep your dog outside, it’ll spend a lot of time lounging in the shade and at the door, whining or barking for you to either come out and play or to let him in. Dogs are pack animals and want to be with the pack – namely you. So take your dog for a walk and/or run. You’ll both benefit.

Leave a dog alone while he’s eating:

I never did. Here’s the thing with that. Get your dog to realize you are the Alpha, and also that you are not a threat. As you approach your feeding dog, put something in his dish. I would sometimes take the dish away from my dog. Sometimes I would add something to it and stir it into the food, sometimes I would simply stir the food. Either way my dog wasn’t threatened. Another thing, don’t tease the dog with the food. If you take the dish away, put it back soon. Dogs should be happy when you approach them, while they are eating or otherwise. Then they won’t growl or snap if someone accidentally bumps into them or their dish while they’re eating. Instead, they’ll wag their tail and think they’re in for a treat. It works, try it!

Golden Retrievers and Black Labs are the best breeds for families:

True, and not. It’s just not a good idea to make a statement that covers a whole breed. There are good dogs and bad dogs in every breed. How you treat your dog from a puppy will determine how it behaves as a dog around you and your friends. Here is where training comes in strong.

Some more trivia and myths to look at:

http://members.aol.com/tara8000/Myths.html

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12079937/