There are plenty of supposed ‘facts’ about our four-legged friends that are simply not true – or half true.
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Veterinary expert Dr Linda Simon, from pet wellness brand Pooch & Mutt, has debunked 15 of the most common myths and misconceptions about our beloved pets.
Here’s what she had to say.
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13. Male dogs will be calmer/better behaved after being castrated
Myth. Removing a dog's testicles and therefore their testosterone can reduce sexual-driven behaviours but is not likely to affect activity levels or personality. So if your dog is hyper or has behavioural issues, castrating them is not a way to solve this, instead, seeking help from a dog behaviourist would be a far more effective option. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
14. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks
Myth! It is a great idea to continue with training right into the senior years. This may even stave off canine dementia. With perseverance (and tasty bribes) even older dogs make great pupils. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
15. You should allow female dogs to have a litter before being spayed
Definitely not good advice. There are too many unwanted puppies in the world and the bitch will not benefit in any way from experiencing pregnancy and labour, in fact, you could put her health at risk by doing this. Only the healthiest bitches with the best personalities should be bred from. Photo: Canva/Getty Images