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!
Can You Identify the Thief? Solve This Engaging Puzzle!
Have you ever encountered a brain-teaser that appeared straightforward but turned out to be surprisingly challenging? This engaging puzzle, titled “Who Is the Thief?”, invites you to put your logical reasoning and observational skills to the test. Among the four women in the image, one is the thief. Can you figure out who it is? Let’s delve into the details and uncover the answer.
Look Beyond Appearances
When tackling the “Who Is the Thief?” puzzle, many people are misled by superficial clues. Facial expressions, posture, or gestures might seem significant but often lead to incorrect assumptions. The secret to solving this lies in a practical detail: their footwear. Yes, the type of shoes they are wearing holds the key to identifying the thief.
Decoding the Clues: Analyzing Their Shoes
The Woman on the Far Left
- Footwear: Heeled boots
- Analysis: While these boots are fashionable, they’re impractical for a quick getaway. The distinct clicking sound they make would easily attract attention, making her an unlikely suspect.
The Second Woman
- Footwear: High heels paired with a casual outfit
- Analysis: Although stylish, high heels are not suitable for running or making a fast escape. They would significantly slow her down in any attempt to flee the scene.
The Third Woman
- Footwear: Knee-high boots
- Analysis: These boots exude sophistication but lack the functionality needed for speed. Similar to high heels, they’re not designed for quick movements or agility.
The Woman on the Far Right
- Footwear: Sneakers
- Analysis: Unlike the others, sneakers are lightweight and designed for quick movements. They provide comfort and speed, making them the ideal choice for someone planning a hasty escape. This practical advantage points to her as the most likely thief.
The Verdict
After carefully evaluating the clues, the answer to the puzzle is clear: the woman on the far right, wearing sneakers, is the thief. Her choice of footwear indicates she is prepared for a swift getaway, which aligns perfectly with the behavior of someone attempting to evade capture.
This puzzle is a great reminder to focus on practical details and think critically when solving challenges. Did you manage to identify the thief? Share this puzzle with your friends and see if they can unravel the mystery too!
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