How well do you know your dog?

Most dog lovers think they’re pretty savvy when it comes to their canine companions. But did you know these common misconceptions about dogs? Read on to learn more about the secret life of man’s best friend.

Dog years aren’t clear-cut. We commonly hear that one dog year is equal to seven human years, but this is an oversimplification. There’s a lot of variation between breeds and many health conditions can affect dogs of any age. In general, it’s best to think of your dog’s life in terms of stages: puppy, adult, senior and geriatric.

Dogs CAN see color! We’re often told that dogs are color-blind but they can see colors—just not as many as we do. A dog’s vision is also not as sharp as ours, especially for objects at a distance. Researchers have discovered that the color blue may be one of the easiest for dogs to see, so try looking for blue squeaky toys the next time you visit the pet store!

Dominance isn’t always the answer. Celebrity dog trainers have popularized the idea that we must be dominant or “alpha” when working with our dogs, but this concept may be flawed. Dominance theory was developed based on research that has since been retracted. Veterinary behaviorists caution that dog behavior is incredibly complex, so relying too heavily on dominance theory may lead to problems.

Letting a dog sniff your hand—not always the best idea. When greeting an unfamiliar dog, many people will hold out a hand for the dog to sniff. While it’s always a good idea to let a new dog investigate your scent before saying hello, a nervous or fearful dog may feel threatened when you reach for them, and this can lead to a bite. Instead, try crouching down with your side facing the dog and avoid making eye contact. Let them approach and investigate you on their own terms, and you may just make a new best friend!

Dogs eating grass may not be sick. There’s a common misconception that eating grass and dirt is a sign of illness or a dietary deficiency, but this is rarely true. Some dogs will eat non-food items when they are nauseous. Others will eat grass as an attention-seeking behavior or simply because they like the taste! If you’re concerned, it’s always best to discuss any new or unusual behavior with your veterinarian.

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