Apparently, dogs respond better to two-syllable names.
Maybe that’s why so many are called Alfie, Charlie, Bella and Poppy and good old Rex and Spot have been banished to the puppy past.
It’s something to do with word rhythm and phonetic contrast.
It sounds believable, doesn’t it?
You can imagine scientists with clipboards testing it in parks. ‘Char-lie!’
I read this ‘fact’ on the new Facebook – LinkedIn. Thought hmmm, did a little research and guess what… It’s not true!
To dog owners, it doesn’t really matter whether it’s true or not.
If your dog comes when you call it, sits when you ask and doesn’t chew your slippers, you’ll believe anything that supports your success as an owner.
If your dog ignores you, goes bonkers seeing imaginary squirrels and eats everything, you’ll probably dismiss it as nonsense.
Humans are funny like that.
We filter what we read through what we believe.
☝️Read that again☝️
You and I both do it. We primarily look for proof that we’re right, not evidence that we might be wrong.
And that’s fine.
Until it isn’t.
In a world full of headlines, half-truths and AI-generated wisdom, I think it’s more important than ever to be careful what we accept as fact.
Some things sound scientific when they’re really just stories.
Some stories get repeated so often they become ‘truth.’ Mandela effect, anyone?
Next time you read something that sounds convincing about dogs, diets or dopamine, pause for a moment. Ask: Is this true? Or does it just feel true because I want it to be?
And if you’re wondering: yes, my dog (if I had one) would have to be called Brilliant.
Two syllables. Easy to shout. Impossible to forget.
What have you questioned recently that has been presented as fact? I’d love to know, please share your ‘facts’ here.
Be Brilliant!
Michael
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