Dog training is a universe which opens up a cornucopia of techniques, methodologies, practices, and theories. However, just as in any other field, there are handfuls of misconceptions which have been propagated over time and have been accepted as axiomatic truths. This article aims to debunk ten of these dog training myths that have become deeply ingrained and are taken as gospel by many, despite the lack of empirical evidence or scientific corroboration.

Firstly, it is critical to consider the Pavlovian conditioning concept, named after Ivan Pavlov’s seminal work in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The general belief is that dogs, similar to Pavlov's dogs, are merely reactive creatures, operating solely on conditioned responses. However, modern canine cognition studies indicate that dogs possess a certain level of metacognition - the ability to think about one's own mental processes. This understanding allows us to train dogs using more sophisticated methods that tap into their cognitive abilities.

The second myth that requires debunking is the belief that older dogs cannot be trained. This is a common misconception that stems from the axiom, “You can't teach an old dog new tricks”. However, this is not supported by science. The dog’s cognitive plasticity is not stunted by age, and dogs remain capable of learning new things throughout their lives, albeit perhaps at a slower pace.

The third myth is the belief that using food as a reward in training results in a dog that only obeys when food is present. This oversimplifies the complexity of canine learning processes and ignores the role of intermittent reinforcement in behavioral psychology. The concept of intermittent reinforcement, first identified by B.F. Skinner, suggests that behaviors are more likely to persist over time when they are reinforced intermittently rather than continually.

Fourthly, there's the fallacy that dominance-based training is the most effective. This theory, often championed by popular media, is predicated on the outdated thinking that dogs are attempting to assert dominance over their human counterparts. However, studies have shown that dogs do not necessarily view their relationships with humans in terms of a linear hierarchy. Researchers such as L. David Mech have revealed that wolf packs, from which domestic dogs are descended, operate more on familial structures rather than dominance hierarchies.

Fifth, there is a myth that dogs feel guilty when they've done something wrong. This is a classic case of anthropomorphism, where humans attribute human characteristics to animals. Scholars like Alexandra Horowitz have shown through experimental studies that what humans interpret as guilt is actually a reaction to the owner's behavior, not a moral recognition of wrongdoing.

The sixth myth to debunk is the idea that all dogs need is physical exercise. While physical exercise is crucial, mental enrichment is equally important for your dog's overall health. The cognitive function of dogs is inherently tied to their well-being.

Seventhly, there's a myth that all dog breeds learn the same way. This is akin to saying all humans learn the same way - a gross oversimplification. Just as Howard Gardner proposed the theory of multiple intelligences, acknowledging that different people have different intellectual strengths, dog breeds also have varying proclivities and learning styles.

The eighth myth we need to address is the idea that training dogs is a quick process. This belief is fundamentally flawed, as it ignores the principles of operant conditioning, a cornerstone of behavioral psychology. As Skinner's work has shown, learning is a gradual and ongoing process.

The ninth myth suggests that punishment is the best way to stop undesirable behavior. However, positive reinforcement training has been shown to be more effective. Studies by figures like John Watson and Rosalie Rayner demonstrate that while punishment might suppress behavior temporarily, it does not address the underlying issue and can lead to negative side-effects.

Lastly, the tenth myth is the idea that dogs should learn to obey commands out of respect for their owners. This ignores the basic principles of motivation which underpin the learning process in all animals, including humans. Respect is a human concept, not a canine one. What we interpret as respect is merely a well-trained dog responding to cues with behaviors that have been positively reinforced.

In conclusion, it's important to approach dog training with a respect for canine cognition and learning processes, as well as an understanding of the myths that may lead us astray. The world of dog training is complex, but by debunking these myths, we can approach training in a more informed, effective and humane manner.