A vet has warned how a ‘hug’ can make a dog feel, and it’s not necessarily what you would expect
A vet has warned that it could be a bad idea to ‘hug’ your dog, as it could have the opposite effect on them to what us humans feel.
There’s nothing nicer than coming home from a long day at work to your furry friend scurrying as fast as they can to the door to greet you.
Your natural reaction is usually to bend down and give them a big cuddle, and whilst it might look like they’re loving every second – it might not be what they’re really feeling.
Dog experts are now warning owners to find different ways of showing their love.
According to a vet who spoke to Psychology Today, a hug can actually make a dog feel quite anxious and trapped – this is because a dog’s primary defence is to run away.
Psychologist Stanley Coren explained: “Yes, your dog may leap into your lap and kiss your face, cuddle against your neck, and beg you to rub her belly.
“But that’s not ‘hugging.’
“In my experience, many dogs don’t enjoy having a human move one or two arms around their shoulders and squeeze.
“That’s the hug we are talking about.”
Behaviour Vets author Lauren Novack believes dogs who do enjoy hugs are a complete ‘exception’, reports Daily Paws.
She said: “When dogs don’t like something and politely ask for space over and over again to no avail, they’re likely to escalate their communication to growling or biting.
“I don’t want dogs to be stressed, and I don’t want humans to get bitten. For most dogs, hugs are stressful.”
Stanley previously analysed 250 photos of dogs being given hugs, and he found that in 80% of the images, the dogs showed signs of looking stressed.
And he noted that this can be indicated by a dog lowers their ears, closing their eyes, or turning away from the source of anxiety.
And the psychologist has now revealed some much better alternatives.
He said: “The clear recommendation to come out of this research is to save your hugs for your two-footed family members and lovers.
“It is clearly better from the dog’s point of view if you express your fondness for your pet with a pat, a kind word, and maybe a treat.”
And the last thing we want to do is upset our furry babies, so we’re definitely going to take this advice on board!
Seth, the Young Entrepreneur with a Refreshing Twist
Seth, an ambitious and creative 11-year-old from Utah, has gained widespread attention for his unique business venture. Instead of setting up a typical lemonade stand, Seth decided to take a different approach. With a sign that read “Ice Cool Beer,” he stood near the sidewalk, catching the attention of passersby.
A Wise Business Mind at a Young Age
Seth’s innate sense of entrepreneurship and willingness to take risks have not gone unnoticed. Despite his young age, he embodies the qualities of a true business prodigy. The young entrepreneur’s determination to push himself and express his creativity has paid off, showing that success knows no age if one is willing to work hard and think outside the box.
A Misunderstanding Cleared with Laughter
Initially, Seth’s ‘beer’ stand caused concern among his neighbors, leading them to contact the police. As officers approached Seth’s booth, they soon realized that there was no cause for alarm. Despite the green wording on his sign, Seth was actually selling root beer, not alcoholic beverages.
The Brigham City Police Department was not only impressed by Seth’s marketing plan but also praised his attention to detail and ability to attract customers at such a young age. News of his unique business approach quickly spread online, garnering praise and admiration from people around the world.
A Young Entrepreneur’s Determination
When the police received a report of a suspicious person, they were met by a driven young entrepreneur named Seth. This ambitious child was determined to start his own business and was wise beyond his years. He had an idea he believed people would love, and he worked hard to build a name for himself.
The police department recognized Seth’s potential and provided him with mentorship and free promotion by sharing his story on social media. Many people who learned about Seth commended his entrepreneurial drive, with some even expressing outrage that someone had called the police in the first place.
A Lesson in Compassion and Support
The police department had a different perspective on the situation. They emphasized that residents should never feel ashamed to report something they find concerning. In an act of compassion and gratitude, they even bought Seth some root beer to show their support and appreciation for his efforts.
Seth’s story serves as an inspiration to everyone, proving that age is no barrier to success. With his creativity, determination, and the support of his local community, Seth has paved the way for young entrepreneurs everywhere.
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