Dog Q&A – Your Common Questions Answered

Ever wanted to own a dog? Maybe you saw a couple of cute videos on social media, or are looking for a companion to keep you company during these trying times. Whatever the reason may be, your interest in dogs may come with a few questions. But don’t worry – we’re here to answer them. Here are some of the most common questions people ask surrounding dogs, and the answers you were (probably) looking for.

Do dogs shed?

One of the biggest deterrents that prevent many people from owning dogs is the fear that their fur will make a mess out of their apartment or home. And while some dogs do shed fur – with certain species being infamous for shedding large amounts – not all of them do. In fact, if you’re not one who prefers to constantly clean the house, you can choose to own dogs that don’t shed.

Also, contrary to what many think, just because a dog has long fur doesn’t mean that it sheds. For example, the Maltese, a popular breed for dog shows, has long and beautiful white hair, but they rarely shed it. If you’re looking for a fluffier breed of dog, the Affenpinscher is a great choice, too. 

Of course, just because a dog shed doesn’t mean it’s not as good as those that don’t. Dogs can’t help it if they shed – it’s a natural process. So if you’re willing to clean up the fur that it leaves behind, you can get any type of dog you want. 

How long do dogs live?

Depending on the breed, dogs can live anywhere from 10 to up to 20 years. And there’s a trend among breeds, too – smaller dog breeds tend to live longer than their larger counterparts. There are a few reasons for this, but experts say that larger dog breeds live shorter lives as they typically age at a faster rate.

Aside from this, don’t expect that most dogs can live past 20 years, even if they have been recorded doing so every now and then. Even 15-year-old dogs are incredibly old. If they can make it past 10 years though, then you know they’ve been living a healthy life.

Can you potty train dogs?

Another reason why people feel discouraged to own a dog is that they’re worried that they’ll poop all over the house. Compared to cats, which prefer to use the litter, dogs care little for where they do business. In fact, some dogs will want to relieve themselves in certain areas to mark their territories, and many fear that their thousand-dollar couch might be a prime target.

Fear not, though. Most dogs, if not all, can be potty trained. What this means is that given enough time, you’ll be able to teach your dog where to relieve itself. Usually, that’ll be the backyard, where it’s much easier to pick up the waste.

Just a small warning, though – for the first few days or weeks, your dog won’t be potty trained (unless it’s already been trained when you adopted it). You’ll have to deal with the mess that it makes, but not forever. Owning a dog is all about patience and understanding, and this can be a great opportunity to learn that.

Can you teach an old dog new tricks?

Ah, the age-old saying. While the phrase is used popularly in the metaphorical sense, it’s never really used literally. Why? Because it isn’t true! Contrary to popular belief, you can teach an old dog new tricks, unless it’s simply too old to do so. 

In fact, many people argue that older dogs are far easier to teach than younger ones. The reason behind this is that younger dogs are too playful and active. They’d be distracted by the littlest thing, which can make it difficult to teach. Adult dogs, on the other hand, are more relaxed. They’ll be more focused on you and what you’re doing and saying, making it easier for them to pick up what you’re throwing down, whether that’s literally or metaphorically.

Do dogs bite their owners?

You’ve probably seen news reports on television with freak incidents involving dogs biting and injuring their owners. And while this is true, that doesn’t mean all dogs are like this. In fact, most dogs are nice and gentle to their owners.

It’s also important to differentiate between biting and playful mouthing or nipping. Dogs don’t bite with full force every time they close their jaw. They also like to playfully nip other dogs whenever they’re in the mood to do so. In fact, many dogs nip their owners too as they would with other dogs if they’re in a playful mood.

Biting can become a problem, however, if you notice that your dog has been behaving aggressively. This can be a sign of some mental problem, and you’ll need professional assistance to deal with that.

Can dogs cause allergies?

The fur that dogs shed isn’t entirely harmless. Some people have sensitive noses, and contact with certain types of fur can cause allergies. This is yet another reason why some people don’t want to own a dog. But just as there are some dogs that shed little to no fur, there are certain dogs with fur that don’t bring allergies.

This type of fur is known as hypoallergenic fur. Not all dogs have it, but those that do are completely safe among people with sensitive noses. What’s more, many dogs with hypoallergenic fur are also known for rarely shedding. For example, the Maltese mentioned earlier is also hypoallergenic. So even if you may have had a bad experience with a dog in the past, you don’t need to worry about allergies to certain types of dogs.

Conclusion

When deciding on owning a dog, it’s best to know the facts first before making a decision. Remember, it’s not just your life that you’re changing – you’re also changing the lives of the people you live with and the dog you’re adopting.