| How to Take Care of a German Shepherd Posted: 30 Aug 2018 01:00 AM PDT German shepherds are large and active dogs that are highly intelligent and loyal companions. They require thoughtful care and consistent training in order to live long and happy lives. German shepherds need to be fed and housed properly, in addition to requiring regular health care and exercise. With some effort and care, your German shepherd can live a long and happy life and will be a steady companion for you for years to come. EditFeeding Your German Shepherd - Make sure your German shepherd is getting proper nutrition. Since German shepherds large, active dogs and are known to have hips that give out, it's important to make sure they have good nutrition throughout their lives. Make sure to buy healthy food that is not full of filler ingredients. For example, make sure you are feeding a quality food that contains animal protein and doesn't use corn for protein.
- You can feed your German shepherd dry or wet food, or a combination of both.
- If you choose to feed your German shepherd homemade meals, it's important to talk to your veterinarian about what they need to include. This will help ensure that the dog will get a balanced diet.
- Try to resist giving your dog table scraps, especially if it is begging for them. People food can be unhealthy for the dog and can impact its interest in its healthy food.[1]
- Feed your German shepherd age-appropriate food. As your dog ages, it will have different nutritional needs. Feed your dog a food that is designed for its specific age, such as a puppy food when it very young, an adult food when it is in middle age, and senior food when it is in old age.[2]
- There are also specific formulas you may need to consider at some point, for example, special foods for large breeds or weight control food for overweight dogs.
- Talk to your vet about what food will work best for your dog. Because your vet will understand your specific dog's health issues, they may want it to get specific nutritional needs met.[3]
- When switching between types of food, for instance when you take your dog off puppy food, do not suddenly change the food. Instead, mix the foods together, gradually increasing the new food and decreasing the old food over the course of several weeks.
- Feed your dog the correct amount of food for its size and age. Look at the packaging of the food to determine the suggested serving size. This should be based on the size and age of your dog. You can also talk to your veterinarian about how much they think your dog should be eating.
- Divide food into several smaller meals throughout the day. It is best to divide your German shepherd's daily food into 2 or more smaller meals. Giving smaller meals helps to minimize the risk of bloat, which is a life-threatening swelling of the abdomen.[4]
- When you feed your dog several times a day, your dog will need to relieve themselves shortly after each meal.
- Never exercise a German shepherd right after they eat since this could increase the risk of bloating.
- Give your German shepherd healthy treats. In addition to feeding it healthy food, the snacks you feed your German shepherd can have an impact on its health. Pick low calorie treats that are satisfying for dogs, including crunchy vegetables and kibble in a feeding toy that slows the dog's consumption down.[5]
- Treats should only make up 5 to 10% of your dog's calorie intact, so control how many treats you give your dog.[6]
- Provide access to water at all times. Dogs can drink a lot of water every day and it's important that they do to prevent dehydration. Fill up its bowl with clean water every day and leave it where your dog has access to it. Also, check up on the bowl throughout the day, if possible, to make sure there is plenty of water available.
- However, German shepherds should drink small amounts of water throughout the day, instead of drinking a large amount at one time. Gradually hydrating throughout the day will ensure that the dog doesn't get bloat.
- Dehydration can be a threat to your dog's health. Signs that it might be dehydrated and needs more water include excessive panting, loss of appetite, and dry nose or gums. If you see these symptoms, give your dog water immediately.[7]
EditTaking Care of Your German Shepherd's Health - Take your shepherd in for a checkup every year. When caring for a German shepherd, you need to make sure you are giving it preventative health care. If you have it looked at by a veterinarian every year, many health problems can be avoided and emerging problems can be treated quickly. Things your veterinarian will do during an annual exam may include:
- A general health assessment—The vet will check the general condition of your dog, including looking for common ailments, such as ear infections.
- Nail trimming—When your dog's nails get long, it is very painful for them to move about. The vet will clip them if they are too long.
- De-worming and heartworm test—All dogs must be wormed every month or so to prevent them from getting worms. First, your dog will need to be tested for worms, and then your vet can prescribe a medication to be taken monthly. If your dog already has worms, your vet can provide a medication for treatment.
- Vaccinations—Talk to your vet to determine which vaccines are necessary and what diseases they'll protect against.
- Get your dog spayed or neutered. Getting your German shepherd fixed is important for keeping pet populations under control. Unless you are planning on breeding your dog, talk to your veterinarian about when the best time to spay or neuter your German shepherd is. This surgery usually occurs between the ages of 6 months and 1 1/2 years old, although waiting until the dog is 1 year old may increase the health of its joints.[8]
- Neutering or spaying your dog can also help eliminate aggressive behavior in the future.
- Get possible medical problems treated as soon as possible. For example, as soon as you see that your dog has a walking problem or is not eating as usual, take it to the vet. This specific breed of dog can get joint problems when they get old, so it's important to keep an eye out for physical and behavioral changes and start caring for them right away.
- In particular, watch for changes in how your dog walks and moves its legs. These changes could signal that your dog has joint problems, such as hip dysplasia, and that condition may require immediate medical treatment.[9]
- Bathe and brush your German shepherd. Caring for a German shepherd's coat is relatively easy. They should be brushed once or twice a week. You only need to bathe them if you feel they need it. However, do not bathe it more than a couple times a month, as soap can disrupt their natural skin and fur oils.[10]
- You can bathe your dog at home or take it to a groomer.
- Bathe your dog more frequently when it is very active. This will protect it from skin problems and rashes, especially in the summer.
EditKeeping Your German Shepherd Physically Active - Make sure your German shepherd has enough space. Remember that a German shepherd is a large dog. This breed needs space to be comfortable in their home and in their yard. They do better in a house that has room for them to move freely about, as opposed to a small apartment or cramped space.[11]
- German shepherds can benefit from having access to a lot of space to run around. Make sure that your yard is clear, uncluttered, and hazard-free.
- Exercise your dog. Without exercise, the German shepherd's amazing muscles and energy will be locked up inside with no outlet. Ideally, you would spend 1 hour or 2 every day playing fetch, taking it for a long walk or run, or even chasing it around the yard. German shepherds who don't get enough exercise are more likely to get joint diseases, like hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as becoming destructive or depressed.
- However, beware of giving them too much exercise at a young age. Do not take your German shepherd jogging or running with you before they are 1 and a half years old, because its joints and bones are still developing.
- To keep a German shepherd outside in a yard, you need to make sure the yard is completely fenced off.
- If you don't have a big yard, then take your dog daily to the local park. You can also make use of any other appropriate open spaces accessible from your home.
- Avoid strenuous activity right after eating. Since German shepherds are prone to bloat, it's important to keep them calm before and after they digest their food. Do not engage them in strenuous activity, such as running, before or for several hours after eating.[12]
- While you shouldn't run them after meal time, it is perfectly fine to take them on a leisurely walk after eating.
- Keep your German shepherd cool. German shepherds, especially long-haired shepherds, are susceptible to hot weather. If you have a shepherd and you live in a hot or tropical area, provide your dog with plenty of water and shade while outside. Also be sure that you don't demand too much physical activity on extremely hot days.
- Signs that your German shepherd is overheated include panting, extreme thirst, lack of coordination, and extremely red gums.[13]
- German shepherds do better in cool or cold climates, as their coats insulate them well in lower temperatures.
EditTraining and Socializing Your German Shepherd - Socialize your puppy. German shepherds should be exposed to a wide variety of people, places, and other dogs when they are young. This will get them used to interacting peacefully with anyone they come into contact with. If not socialized properly in puppyhood, German shepherds can have aggression issues later in life.[14]
- If you plan on training your dog to be a guard dog, you still need to socialize your puppy properly. This lays the foundation for a pleasant personality in addition to being a competent guard dog.
- Part of proper socialization is giving your dog lots of physical contact from the time it's a puppy. Regular touching and handling of the face and feet means that, when the puppy grows up, it won't mind having its nails clipped or mouth checked.
- Train your German shepherd. German shepherds are extremely smart and loyal dogs, which means that they are especially adept at learning commands and responding to obedience training. However, it's important to train them in a positive manner, using lots of praise, petting, and love to reinforce your commands. This will help you to build a relationship of trust and loyalty with your dog.[15]
- When your dog is young, train for short amounts of time, just as you would your child. As your dog gets older and becomes better at responding to commands, your training sessions can get longer.
- Continue to teach your German shepherd new tricks and commands. Not only will a well-behaved German shepherd be more impressive and easier to care for with continued training, but you and your dog will develop a bond if you take the time to train it. As the bond gets stronger, your German shepherd will be more likely to listen to your commands and will be happier to have you as a master.
- German shepherds are great guide dogs, guard dogs, rescue dogs, and police dogs. If your German shepherd is very smart and needs lots of mental and physical exercise, consider training it for a specialized job.
- Give your dog love and attention. In order to build a lasting bond with your dog, it's important to give them physical affection and love, such as petting and cuddling them daily. Be friendly to your dog, love them, and they will love you back!
- You can't fake affection, even with a dog, you have to have expressions and gestures to prove how much you adore it, to make it feel lovable and loved. There has to be sincere and genuine love shared between the two of you.
- Never beat or yell at your dog. Never scold your dog unless you catch it in the act of doing something wrong. Otherwise, the dog will associate you with scolding and punishment and may lose trust in you.
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Stay Calm While Parenting Posted: 29 Aug 2018 05:00 PM PDT When things get heated between you and your kids, it's easy to let your emotions get the best of you. Keeping calm while parenting is an important tool, though. A calm attitude helps you think through things rather than reacting in the moment. It also lets your child know that you're in control of the situation. So take a deep breath, speak clearly and slowly, and help both you and your child calmly work through situations where emotions may otherwise drive the conversation. EditCalming Down When You're Emotional - Take a deep breath. One of the easiest things you can do to help keep from reacting emotionally is to inhale deeply, hold the breath for 2-3 seconds, and exhale slowly. This doesn't need to calm you down completely. Instead, a deep breath helps keep you from exploding in unplanned and emotional ways.[1]
- Take as many breaths as you need so that you feel prepared to move forward. Your next step may be to keep the conversation going or to remove yourself from the situation temporarily. Either way, you should be able to do so in a cool, collected manner.
- Count down to a calm moment. You can practice this mentally to help keep yourself calm, or you can count out loud for your kids. Try slowly counting backward from a number like 5 or 10 down to 1. By the time you reach 1, your goal should be to speak calmly about a situation with your child.[2]
- If you are counting in your own mind, try taking a deep breath with each number. As you breathe in between each number, let yourself know, "in 4 more counts, I will be calm and collected."
- If you are counting out loud for your kids, try saying, "I'm going to count down from 5. By the time I reach 1, everyone needs to be speaking with an inside voice." This gives your kids a few seconds to reflect on the situation themselves and adjust their own actions.
- Take a moment away from the situation. Provided everyone is safe before you leave, walk away from the situation for a moment. Find a place where you can be alone to gather your thoughts and help get control of yourself. Only return when you feel in control of your emotions.[3]
- You can even consider designating a certain spot your quiet area. For example, if you have a home office, let your kids know, "I'm going to go sit in the office for a while. Everyone needs to be quiet during this time. We'll continue this conversation when I come back."
- Calming down doesn't have to mean that you have changed your stance on the situation or that you are giving in. In fact, responding to a situation firmly but calmly often lets a child know that you're in charge, and that they can't push your buttons to get what they want.
- After you step away, do a short meditation to recenter yourself. Simply close your eyes and focus on your breath.
- Separate your emotions from theirs. It's natural to meet your child's anger with your own, but your kid doesn't have to dictate your emotions. When your kid responds to you with anger, remind yourself that their emotions are not yours. Tell yourself, "I was calm before they started yelling, and there is no reason for me to not be calm now."[4]
- Giving your kids an angry response lets them know they can push your buttons. It's a way for them to test your authority. Keeping calm shows them that they can't manipulate your emotions.
- Fake your calm. It can be tough to quiet an emotional response. If you can project a calm attitude, though, it can help keep your children calm and responsive. Try to keep your face as neutral as possible, look your kids directly in the eyes, and speak slowly and softly but firmly.[5]
- When you have resolved the situation or your kids are in another room, let yourself get your emotions out. Write them down, talk through the situation with your partner or a friend, or take some time to work out the stress by jogging, dancing, training or any other physical activity.[6]
EditMaintaining Your Calm and Controlling Your Emotions - Speak clearly, slowly, and firmly. The balance between gentle and firm can be difficult to find, but it's incredibly effective. Whether you're giving instructions or correcting behavior, speaking to your children in a slow, gentle, and firm tone lets them know that you're in charge of the situation. Keep your words clear and concise to make sure they understand.[7]
- For example, if your kid pushed another kid at school, let them know, "It wasn't nice to push your friend. It hurt their feelings and hurt them physically. That's why we don't push in this house."
- Look your kids in the eyes when you are speaking to them. If possible, try to get close to their eye level. This lets them know you're serious while also showing them that you respect them enough to communicate directly to them.
- Be consistent in your requests. It's a natural temptation to budge on your requests to get things to calm down. Consistency will ultimately help set expectations for the future, though, and keep your kids calm in those situations. Acknowledge your child's feelings, but stay firm on your requests. Use "I" statements to express how you feel and what you want.[8]
- If, for example, your child doesn't like what you made for dinner, let them know, "I'm sorry that you don't like the meal I made for us. I still expect you at the dinner table at 7 p.m., though."
- This doesn't mean you shouldn't ever budge. For example, if you tell your teen they can't stay out past curfew but they let you know it's for a study session, it's perfectly reasonable to compromise with them based on that new information.
- Ask questions to help your child contextualize their actions. Both younger and older kids fear judgement and try to avoid criticism. Instead of offering unsolicited advice, ask your kid questions to help them think through difficult situations for themselves.[9]
- If your younger child doesn't understand why they should be honest, for example, you can ask them, "How would you feel if I lied and told you something, then later you found it it wasn't true? Would you be happy?"
- For an older child who wants to quit a school play halfway through the rehearsal period to have more free time, ask them, "How would you feel if you had to stop doing something you loved because one of your peers didn't want to keep their commitment?"
- Take your time. Whether they are just excited or demanding something from you, it's easy to feel rushed by your kids. Instead of stressing to meet their demands, though, remind yourself that you can take as much time as you need. You know your schedule and your kid's, and no matter how urgent your child thinks the situation is, you still have time.[10]
- This goes for in-the-moment scenarios, as well as decisions. You don't need to rush to make a decision just because your child wants an answer. Give them a deadline such as, "I'll let you know before Friday." Then take as much time as you need.
EditResponding Calmly Everyday - Help younger kids explain their emotions. Part of the reason younger children act out is because they don't have the tools to express themselves. If your young child is acting out, help them put a name to their emotions and give them an alternate course of action.[11]
- It's important to give young children the words to express how they feel, as they likely can't do it on their own. You should also model this behavior for them by expressing your own emotions when you feel upset.
- If, for example, you tell your child they can't watch TV and they start crying or screaming, let them know, "I understand you're angry right now. We all get angry sometimes, and that's okay. But getting angry won't get your TV time. How about we go color instead?"
- Alternatively, if your child gets so excited over something positive that they seem upset, like crying when you say you are going to the aquarium, tell them, "I know you're excited. I'm excited, too! Instead of crying, though, let's do a happy dance!" Then dance with them.
- Allow older children to distance themselves. Middle school and high school-aged children have a developmental need to distance themselves from you as they grow older. It may seem counterintuitive, but it's actually helpful to give them this distance. The less you pressure them to know the smaller details of their life, the more likely they are to come to you.[12]
- This doesn't mean you need to let them do whatever they want with no accountability. Instead, it simply means giving them distance at home or when you're around one another.
- If, for example, you and your teen are going to the mall, don't make them ask to wander around themselves. Instead, tell them, "I need to pick up things from this store. I'll be there if you need me. If not, meet me at the entrance to the parking garage at noon."
- Before you part ways, make sure that your child knows how to contact you in case of an emergency, as well as what to do while they wait for you.
- Establish expectations and consequences beforehand. Knowing beforehand what will happen if expectations aren't met can help keep a situation from getting heated. Sit down with your child and discuss your expectations. Then, talk about what consequences will be in place if they fail to meet those expectations.[13]
- Let your kid have some input on both the expectations and the consequences. This can help them feel respected and keep them accountable for their actions.
- For example, if you're establishing chores you may ask them, "Would you rather take out the trash 3 times a week or do the dishes twice a week?" Then let them know, "If the dishes aren't done on your days, you won't get to use tech that night except for homework."
- Avoid aggressive or unclear communication. Aggressive or unclear communication can make your child feel threatened or attacked. Try to stay away from sarcasm, threats, and labeling.[14]
- Instead of saying, "You're so selfish!" try saying, "I expect you to contribute to this household by doing the dishes."
- Physical punishment such as spanking often leads to more emotional responses from children and may prompt even worse behavior. For a calm household, take physical discipline off the table.
EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Prepare for an Audition Posted: 29 Aug 2018 09:00 AM PDT With the right preparation, you can excel at your audition and get the part of your dreams. Be sure to research the part, the character, and the director. Practice as much as possible for your audition. Before your audition, sleep well, eat breakfast, and dress comfortably yet neutrally. Break a leg! EditResearching the Part - Familiarize yourself with the overview of the event. Research the event to learn more about the history or nature of the performance. Knowing all of the players or parts and understanding the tone and style of the play will help you get into the role and excel during the audition. Read everything you can find regarding the part and the audition.
- If you can't find much information on the part itself, try to research the director to understand their other works. This will still give you an inside understanding at what they may expect.[1]
- Go to the library and find books on the play or event.
- Read the entire play multiple times to familiarize yourself with the content.
- Search Google for similar music or dance performances.
- Research the role so you understand the character's arc. Research the particular character or role as much as you can. This will help you get into character even before you start practicing lines. Understanding the character or role will help you nail the scene you're assigned because you deeply understand the character or role.[2]
- For music auditions, you can look into your instrument or member's significance. For example, if you are trying out for an indie rock band, what was their last drummer like? Where does the band find their musical inspiration?
- For dance auditions, You can research your part in relation to the performance. Are you the dance lead, or a supporting dancer? For example, If you are auditioning for the lead part in Swan Lake, look up who has played this part before and what qualities the part embody (such as graceful).
- For theater auditions, if you are trying out for Ophelia's role in Hamlet, look up who she was, what she did in the play, and the historical significance of her character.
- Learn about the director and the casting agent. Research who they are, their background, and other gigs worked on. You will feel more comfortable putting a face to a name and having a sense of familiarity with who you are auditioning for.[3]
- Type the director or name of the play into Google and see what you can find. Ask other actors or casting directors if they are familiar with the character or the director.
- For dance auditions, contact the rehearsal director.
- For music auditions, you can learn about the conductor and composer.
EditPracticing for the Audition - Memorize your lines, songs, or music. Start memorizing your part as far in advance as you can. Memorize your lines or music exactly as you will be performing them in the audition. Practice your lines or your music over and over until you know it by heart.[4]
- If you are unfamiliar with a word, look it up and familiarize yourself.
- If a part is particularly tricky, give yourself extra time to perfect it.
- If you are asked to "cold read" either lines or music, don't sweat it! Stay focused on the lines or the music and get into the part.
- Rehearse with friends or in front of a mirror. Saying your lines, playing the music, or practicing your dance routine in advance will help you confidently deliver your part during the audition. Find friends to rehearse lines with, reading off of the script. You can also recite your part or practice your choreography in front of a mirror.
- Also practice improvising your lines and going off book.
- Get into character by altering your accent, body language, or clothing if necessary. The audition is based around how well you can get into your role, whether it be a dance, character, or musical performance. Embody your role by using an accent, altering your body language, or using props. [5]
- If you are auditioning for a guitar part, be the guitarist. Be confident and bold, and don't worry if all eyes are on you during a solo.
- If you are auditioning for a play, ask yourself what the character would say or do. Infer as much as you can as if you were the character.
- Practice sight reading so you are prepared for anything. Sight reading, or "cold reading," is reading material with little or no time to prepare in advance. In some auditions, you will perform music or recite lines without reviewing them before. Practice auditioning with unfamiliar work to become comfortable with sight reading during your audition.[6]
- Find an unfamiliar play and practice acting out lines.
- Grab a piece of sheet music and start playing without looking at the entire piece.
EditGetting Physically Ready for the Audition - Get at least 8 hours of sleep the night before. Try to sleep for at least 8 hours so you are well rested and wake up refreshed. Sleeping well will ensure you perform as best as you can during your audition.[7]
- If you are nervous for your big day, try going to bed early, meditating before bed, and keeping your room dark.[8]
- Eat a large, balanced meal with protein before your audition. Try to eat something with protein for energy, though don't overstuff yourself. Some auditions last a long time, so eating high-energy food will help you keep your energy up throughout the audition process.[9]
- Eggs and fruit are good choices for breakfast.
- For lunch, try a large salad with nuts or fish.
- Avoid consuming dairy, coffee, or spicy foods before singing auditions. Foods with dairy produce mucous which can alter the sound of your voice. Coffee and spicy foods are harsh on the throat and not conducive to singing.[10]
- Dress comfortably yet professionally in neutral, flattering clothing. Wear something you will feel comfortable and confident in but that doesn't grab too much attention. Avoid dressing in costume; you will be styled to fit the part later. You want to look professional and neutral so you can fit any role.[11]
- Avoid wearing bulky jewelry, or choosing loose clothing.
- Wear shoes that are closed-toed, lightweight, and comfortable, like flats or sneakers. Do not wear flip flops
- If you are auditioning for a music role, tailor your outfit to fit the genre while still looking professional. For example, if you are trying out for a rock band, wear a black button-down shirt.
- Style your hair to flatter your face. With whatever hairstyle, make sure it flatters your face rather than hiding your features. Comb your hair out of your face or tie up your hair in a ponytail.[12]
- You can also use small clips or bobby pins to help hold hair off your face if need be.
EditTrying out for the Part - Come early and know what to expect. Arrive to your audition at least 15 minutes early to show your initiative and time management. Be prepared to answer questions about yourself and your schedule. Review the audition notice to make sure you know the audition guidelines.[13]
- Check in when you arrive and be ready to audition at any time. You never know the schedule the casting director is working with.
- Introduce yourself and the part you are auditioning for.
- Expect to audition with the casting director, a cameraman, and a reader. There may be directors, producers, and associates in the room with you. Be prepared to audition in front of any number of people.
- Be ready to alter your prepared material and to "cold read."
- Clear your schedule so you aren't worried about timing. Eliminate any stress or worry during the day of your audition. If you can, don't schedule other arrangements into your day. Have time to arrive early and stay late.[14]
- Expect delays in the audition process. Some auditions run over their time, and some applicants will show up late.
- Improvise if you forget your lines. If you forget a line of the monologue, fake it. It is better to improvise than to freeze. This will show the casting director that you are flexible and can roll with the punches. Most won't even notice and the ones who do will appreciate your creativity and ability to keep your performance going under duress.
- You can do this for music and dance auditions, as well as theater. If you forget your music, try to improvise something similar on the spot. If you are dancing and go out of your sequence, improvise your moves until you get back on track. This will at least show your creativity and ability to adapt.
- Act and speak with confidence in yourself. You've practiced the part, you've done the research, now it is time to show them what you can do! Act confidently as you arrive to the audition, and know that you will do the best you can.
- Be patient when waiting for a decision. You never know what schedule the directors are working on. You could receive a call back that same day, or weeks or years later. Be patient and don't worry if you don't get a call back immediately![15]
- It is not common to contact the director or casting agent about the status of your audition. They live very busy lives.
- Though, you can request feedback on your audition. After the cast list is posted, you should submit a request within 1 week. You will typically receive feedback within 1 month, though this varies. You can get feedback on your strengths, weaknesses, and ways to improve.[16]
- Remember, there will always be more auditions. If at first you don't succeed, keep trying until you do.
- Stay calm before and during your audition. Try to channel your excitement into your performance to make it vibrant and exciting for the panel or audience. But of course, be yourself!
- Don't compare yourself to others. Worrying about how other people performed will only make you doubt yourself. Just remember that if you put a lot of effort into your preparations, you should be confident in your abilities.
- Bring extra water and some snacks. Auditions can take all day.
- Speak clearly and confidently. Be sure to smile!
- Do not trash talk other performers who are at the audition. Not only will the directors find out, this will result in others not wanting to work with you, which damages your reputation and prevents you from enjoying future opportunities.
- Do not attempt to use bribes to get a part. It doesn't work and can ruin your reputation, as well as undermine your value and talent as a performer.
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
Nenhum comentário:
Postar um comentário