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Bored Panda got in contact with Kristen Cummings-Fredieu from Off Leash K9 Training to learn more about dog behavior and a few things many people get wrong. First and foremost, we wanted to hear a little more about their story.

“Our page was started when we began offering training services to the better portion of East Tennessee. Off Leash K9 Training - Knoxville is a balanced training program that strives to help dogs of any breed, any age, and any size, live bigger and better lives with their families.”

So we also wanted to hear their opinion on why folks love to see and read more about dogs even if they already have one at home. “Dog content is popular because almost everyone loves dogs, has dogs, and can relate to other people who post about their dogs! Two out of every three American households have dogs, so dogs are always relevant!”

Naturally, despite the popularity of dogs, some people still hold on to outdated beliefs on how dogs act. “There are so many misconceptions about dog behavior! Not all wagging tails are happy, for example. A wagging tail indicates some sort of excitement, but not always happiness. Body language, in general, is often overlooked, when in all reality it is the best indicator of what a dog is feeling and thinking.”

“Dog body language communicates so much! A side eye, lip-licking, or pursed lips, can communicate discomfort in a situation. A dropped tail or ears dropped back, could communicate anxiety or a lack of ease. Wide-mouth panting may just mean your dog is hot and cooling herself, but also communicates comfort and ease.”

“A dog rolling on their back to show their tummy shows submissiveness but also communicates an incredible degree of comfort in their surroundings. When a dog communicates discomfort or a lack of ease, humans should take note of the settings and either help their dog through it, or adjust to prevent a larger problem, such as forcing a dog to feel like they have to flee or defend themselves.”

“Freeze, Fight, and Flight are instinctual responses to our surroundings, and dogs’ behavior and reactions are driven by their instincts and their understanding of the world around them. Becoming more in tune with our dogs’ body language can maximize our ability to lead a happy life with our dog!”

““You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” is an old saying, but many people falsely believe that their dog is “too old” for training. If your dog is healthy enough to train, your dog is able to learn. Dogs enjoy the engagement with their family, and the mental stimulation is beneficial for dogs of all ages!”

““It’s all in how you raise them,” is another common and dangerous misconception. This is a statement in regards to nature vs. nurture. While environmental factors absolutely play a significant role in a dog’s behavior, genetics can not, and should not be disregarded,” she shared with Bored Panda.

“We do not always get to know about a dog’s immediate family tree, but there are general breed characteristics that should be considered when examining a dog’s behavior.” If you want to see more, be sure to check out their website and Facebook page.