It’s a well-known fact that dogs have the ability to improve their human’s mood. Here are several ways that an Anatolian Shepherd can improve your mood.
Mental
The Anatolian Shepherd was raised to be a livestock guardian. That means he will protect you, your home, and everyone living it in. He will even guard the cat and hamster.
Not only will he instinctively protect all of you from outside harm, but he will also constantly be on the lookout for signs of worry or sickness. Despite mental toughness and physical training, sickness, anxiety, and worry can still happen. Everyone goes through periodic rough patches.
If your dog senses any of these things, he will stick to your side like glue and be a very comforting presence until you feel better.
Emotional
Nothing can make a person smile faster than the antics of a child or animal. In the case of the Anatolian Shepherd, these dogs have the ability to think on their own and problem solve. This means you can actually play games with them.
Games are a great way to alleviate negative emotions for both of you. While playing with your shepherd, all of your boredom and negative thoughts will most likely disappear.
On the next rainy day, try one of these fun and entertaining games with your dog. Hide and seek is a great way to exercise your dog’s mental powers and promote the giggles in anyone feeling blue.
Since Anatolian Shepherds traditionally were left in remote areas with a herd of sheep to guard, they needed to find a lost one.
You might need to take turns with this since someone has to keep your dog confined while the rest of you hide. Try timing how long it takes to be discovered and try to hide in more and more difficult spots.
Physical
Both people and animals need exercise. Not only does exercise get you out of the house, but it also keeps your entire body in good working order, including your brain, muscles, and digestive system.
Since a male of this breed can weigh up to 140 lbs., it’s best to avoid any jumping since your dog’s joints could be injured. Both of you will benefit from long walks on softer surfaces like sand, soil, or pine needles.
An added benefit of having a dog like this along is that there will be no possibility of anyone in your group slipping away. Your dog will constantly be looking out for everyone and rounding up any strays.
Swimming is probably the best low-impact exercise for huge dogs. It doesn’t put any strain on joints, but it provides a lot of exercise and fun. Probably the safest spot for your dog to swim is your backyard pool.
Since Anatolians are territorial and protective of their family, any newcomers to a public spot like a lake or pond might produce unwanted aggression.
Unlike many dogs that require large amounts of exercise, your Anatolian Shepherd will not need to be out all day. They enjoy their rest time as much as their exercise time. Keep in mind that they are always mentally guarding the home and people, so resting is necessary.
Territorial
Since Anatolian Shepherds are extremely intelligent and independent, the owners will have to be extra vigilant that the dog doesn’t get the upper hand.
This means making sure that your shepherd doesn’t take over your bed or feel free to help himself to anything he can reach in the kitchen.
Buy him his own comfy bed and make it known from the start that this is where he sleeps.
Make sure no scraps ever get handed to him at the table since this could definitely give him the idea that he can help himself.
Adopt an Anatolian Shepherd
Big dogs can help you get outside and think more positively, and an Anatolian Shepherd may be the perfect choice for your family.
To adopt an Anatolian Shepherd, check Petfinder.com.To find an American Kennel Club-Registered breeder, visit the AKC Marketplace.
Paisley Hansen is a freelance writer and expert in pets and pets’ health. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading a good book or hitting the gym.
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