Myth Busting
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Myth Busting – Do Lifeguard Dogs Patrol Beaches in Croatia?
A viral story circulating online claims that in Croatia, lifeguards work alongside trained rescue dogs who patrol beaches and jump into the water to save swimmers in distress. The post often centers on a golden retriever named Luna rescuing a child near Zadar, complete with applause from the crowd and a calm dog anchoring a panicked swimmer until help arrives.…
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Myth Busting – Did a Dog named Mason Survive an Alabama Tornado and Crawl Home With Two Broken Legs?
In the years since the devastating April 27, 2011 tornado outbreak in Alabama, a powerful story has circulated repeatedly on social media. It tells of a terrier mix named Mason who was swept away when a tornado destroyed his family’s garage, only to return home 20 days later with two broken legs, weak but alive. The post is often framed…
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Myth Busting – Does Germany Legally Require All Animal Shelters to Be “No-Kill”?
A viral social media story paints a picture of German animal shelters as calm, patient spaces where healthy animals are never euthanized and time is always on their side. While that narrative reflects genuine aspects of Germany’s animal welfare culture, it simplifies a system that is more structured — and more complex — than the post suggests. What German Law…
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Myth-Busting Dog Water Bowls – Which Material Really Keeps Bacteria at Bay?
Keeping your dog hydrated is essential, but not all water bowls are created equal. A recent study explored the microbiology of dog water bowls and how different materials — plastic, ceramic, and stainless steel — affect bacterial growth and species. The findings have implications for dog health, household hygiene, and even the marketing claims of self-flowing water feeders. How Material…
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Myth Busted: Dogs Don’t Walk on Their Full Feet – They Walk on Their Toes
Many dog owners admire their pets’ graceful movement but don’t realize that dogs walk on their toes. Unlike humans, who are flat-footed, dogs are digitigrade animals, meaning they use only the toes and balls of their feet for walking and running. Anatomy Behind the Toes A dog’s long metacarpal and metatarsal bones act like natural springs. The paw pads provide…
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Do Thousands of Dogs Really Roam Free in Costa Rica? The Truth Behind a Viral Sanctuary Story
Every so often, a viral social media post stops dog lovers in their tracks. The latest claim circulating online says that more than 1,800 dogs roam freely in a no-kill sanctuary in Costa Rica, living together without kennels, fences, or confinement. It’s a powerful image, and like many viral animal stories, it’s rooted in truth — but simplified enough to…
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Myth Busted: Do Dogs Lift Their Legs to Pee for Dominence?
For decades, dog owners have been told that male dogs lift their legs to assert dominance over other dogs — or even their humans. The truth, according to modern behavior science, is more about communication than control. What Leg-Lifting Really Means Dogs lift their legs primarily to mark territory with urine. By elevating their urine, they leave scent higher on…
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Myth Busted: Does Playing Tug Make Dogs Aggressive?
A long-standing dog training warning claims tug games create aggression, but modern behaviour science and decades of real-world training experience tell a very different story. Playing tug with your dog has been blamed for everything from dominance issues to future biting, yet trainers and behaviourists now say the fear is largely misplaced. But with structure and clear rules, tug is…
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Myth Busted: Can All Dogs Swim?
For decades, dog owners have been told to trust instinct — that if a dog falls into water, it will simply swim. Veterinarians and canine behavior experts now say that assumption is dangerously wrong. While many dogs paddle reflexively, not all can swim safely, and some face a genuine drowning risk within minutes. Can All Dogs Swim? The short answer…
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Myth Busted: Does Shaving Your Dog Really Keep Them Cool in Summer?
When temperatures soar, many well-meaning dog owners reach for the clippers, convinced that removing thick fur will help their pet stay cool. For double-coated breeds, however, experts say this common summer practice is based on a misunderstanding — and in some cases, it can actually make dogs more uncomfortable. What A Double Coat Really Does Breeds like Huskies, German Shepherds,…
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