How German Shepherd Can Help Your Stress and Mental Health

Humans have always shared a special bond with their canine friends ever since they were first domesticated thousands of years ago. Over the years, almost all breeds of dogs have bonded well with humans, even though every canine breed has a unique personality that makes it stand out from others.

The German Shepherd is one of the most well-loved breeds of dogs that share a deep connection with humans. German shepherds are an excellent breed, always devoted to their masters, and are known to display unconditional love for their owners and family members.

It is hardly surprising that many German shepherd owners consider their pets their best friends. These dogs are always willing to learn and obey. They are patient and have a distinct character that makes them ideal dogs to own and train.

The relationship between German shepherds and their masters goes deep than the surface-level affection both have for one another. Apart from simply sharing lives and showing affection towards one another, the presence of a German shepherd can have significant mental health benefits for the owners.

Dogs are considered an essential part of the family they belong to. It means the owner and their family members always share a powerful bond with their pet dogs. This bond can also have numerous longstanding mental and physical health benefits for their owners and loved ones.

Here are the most important mental health benefits for dog owners living with a German Shepherd. 

A German Shepherd can help in reducing stress

Petting a friendly dog is a great experience as they happily and readily return such affection. German Shepherds enjoy being close to humans, and they love the attention and love that they receive.

Humans also benefit a lot by being close to these dogs. It is a medically proven fact that petting German Shepherd dogs can be immensely beneficial for humans. It is a great way to beat stress and enjoy positive inner health.

Lower stress levels can help people enjoy slower heart rates, low blood pressure, and reduced muscle tension. Studies show that their breathing patterns also became more regular. It can control the secretion and regulation of the stress-related hormones produced in the body.

Dogs can assist people in coping with signs and symptoms of complex physical and mental illness

Complex mental and physical health problems can negatively affect one’s health. Many studies have shown that when you are close to a German Shepherd dog and play with it and pet it, it can help you cope with your illness. You can also experience enhanced levels of happiness and lowered levels of depression.

Pets can promote emotional balance and stability to their owners through unconditional positive regard. It can help in the proper regulation of feelings and better management of stress. It can help people to deal with difficulties in life in a better manner.

People who live alone can experience a sense of normalcy, connectedness, and reassurance through their pets. They have a better sense of purpose when life seems complicated and out of control.

Read Also: German Shepherd vs. Labrador Retriever

Dogs can assist in reducing anxiety

Anxiety is one of the mental health issues that a lot of people tend to struggle with on a day-to-day basis. Having a German Shepherd dog as a pet can help in reducing anxiety. Many mental health practitioners have dogs in their chambers to keep their patients relaxed and happy. Owning a pet dog is a great way to experience positive feelings and steer clear of the ill effects of anxiety.

Many agree that having a pet dog has worked wonders for their health. It has brought them mental solace and comfort that they could not find anywhere else. Both adults and children can benefit tremendously from being close to a dog. The love, companionship, and undivided attention dogs can give people can help them reduce anxiety symptoms.

Dogs can help in reducing pain

Pain is one of the major problems many people face. It can reduce their ability to enjoy life. When people suffer from pain, they tend to skip the activities they love or the things they need to do. It can eventually lead people to feel more isolated in the process.

In many cases, aggravated signs of pain can force them to go to emergency rooms. Having dogs as pets can help in dealing with pain in a better way. It has been observed when dogs undergo therapy.

Therapy help patients forget about their pain or at least experience lower pain. Along with pain, the presence of a dog can also reduce signs of anxiety and depression in a person when they spend only 10 minutes with a dog.

Dogs can enable people to deal with PTSD

PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder is a severe condition of stress, nervousness, and anxiety one may experience after a traumatic event. Having a German Shepherd dog as a pet can help people to cope with PTSD and have the quality of life that they want to have for themselves.

Read Also: Different Types of German Shepherds (With Pictures)

Conclusion

German Shepherds have played a prominent role as service dogs. They are great at companionship and provide great comfort to be with. They are outstanding pets in the canine world. A bit of training can help these dogs to work wonderfully. These canines have a great sense of smell.

Hence, they can sniff any health concerns their owners may be experiencing. As service dogs, German Shepherds are trained to sniff out perpetrators or any substances for the police or military.

You can get a service dog from breeds or local dog shelters. All you need to check their certification to authenticate their service life. However, as the owner, you must be able to bond with him well. Bonding is important.

If you want your German Shepherd to be a trained service dog, you need to be patient enough. Training takes time. They should be obedient and socialized to listen to your commands. It is advisable to seek advice from any professional trainer who can guide you.