How To Socialize a Puppy and Why It’s So Important
In This Article What Is Puppy Socialization? View 4 More +
Why Is My Cat So Cuddly and Affectionate?
In This Article Why Is My Cat So Cuddly and Affectionate? View 5 More +
How To Bond With Your Dog
In This Article Why Is Bonding With Your Dog Important? View 1 More +
Are Anxiety Blankets Safe for Pets?
When you live with a dog who pants and paces all the time, or a cat who lets out an ear-splitting yowl just as you are about to fall asleep, you might be tempted to find a quick fix to your pet’s anxiety problem, like using a weighted blanket marketed to treat anxiety in people. But are they safe for pets? What Are Anxiety Blankets? Weighted blankets have been found to be useful in people with anxiety disorders. The heavier weight of the blanket may mimic the effect of being swaddled, which some people find soothing. The underlying theory behind the weighted blanket phenomenon is called sensory integration. The deep and consistent pressure of the weighted blanket may help lower the body’s physiologic level of arousal and stress. When your body feels calmer, your brain follows suit. Some studies reported that people do feel less anxious when they used the weighted blanket. One study on children with autism found that, while the blankets did not help the children fall asleep faster, the children reported that they liked the weighted blanket. Parents reported that they noticed that the blankets had a positive effect on their children. In that particular study, it indicates that while there may not be a great physiological response to the weighted blanket, there was a positive psychological effect.
Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?
In This Article Why Do Dogs Eat Poop? View 2 More +
Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?
In This Article Why Do Dogs Eat Grass? View 6 More +
How To Train a German Shepherd Puppy
Your German Shepherd’s temperament is the result of both genetic and environmental influences. While instinct drives some of their behaviors, socialization is crucial to raising a well-adjusted dog. Introduce your puppy to other dogs, people, and to being in other environments from 3–12 weeks of age. Exposure to new people, animals, and experiences will help your puppy mature into a confident, well-behaved dog. Well-socialized German Shepherd puppies may be more curious and capable of learning how to perform complex tasks. This is important if the pet parent wants their dog to participate in dog sports, or engage in difficult work such as search and rescue. Dogs learn through forming associations. For example, if you bend over and pet your puppy when they jump up on you, your puppy will learn to jump on people to get attention. German Shepherds are known to have high drive and energy. Without training, socialization, and consistent guidance from the pet parent, a German Shepherd will mature into a medium- to large-size dog who can pull hard on the leash; jump up and knock down the pet parents or other people upon meeting them; and chew up items around the house or in the yard. It is never too early to start training a German Shepherd puppy. While German Shepherd dogs can be great family dogs, they may retain a certain degree of coolness or indifference toward people they meet for the first time. Allowing puppies to interact with other people can build up positive associations, reduce their fears, and help them accept strangers. ,German Shepherd dogs were originally bred to herd sheep and protect the flock from predators—hence the name. They’re incredibly intelligent dogs, and that can make training a challenge. But it’s well worth the effort to have one of these loyal, hardworking pups by your side.
