How to Choose Between Female and Male Dogs Posted: 22 Mar 2021 05:00 PM PDT Getting a new dog is always exciting, but when it comes to picking one out, you do have some tricky decisions to make. If you're on the fence about whether to get a male dog or a female dog, try not to worry too much -- most experts agree that both sexes can make great companions, and breed, temperament, and training tend to matter more than anything else. That said, there are definitely some considerations that might help you decide. [Edit]Choosing a Male Dog - Try a male dog if you're hoping for a high-spirited, energetic pet. Although most veterinarians do believe that training and individual personality are much more important than sex, some pet owners say that male dogs tend to be more active, especially if they aren't neutered.
- Keep in mind, though, that a non-neutered male dog may also be more difficult to control -- he may try to dominate both smaller dogs and the humans he interacts with. And, if you do plan to neuter your dog, any difference between male and female dogs will likely disappear.[1]
- Consider a male dog if you want a more sociable, affectionate pet. Again, this is an area where breed and individual temperament are far more important than sex. There are no studies that definitively show that male dogs are more affectionate, but some people do believe this is true.[2]
- Male dogs tend to bond with one person more strongly than they would with a group of people.[3]
- Go with a male if you want a bigger dog. In general, male dogs tend to be a bit bigger than their female counterparts of the same breed. This is especially true for larger breeds like golden retrievers, labrador retrievers, and German shepherds.[4]
- For smaller breeds, the difference might be much less noticeable (or even nonexistent). Male and female dogs of the smallest breeds, like chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Brussels Griffons, are basically the same size.
- Train and socialize your male dog so it's happy and well-behaved. All dogs, both male and female, need to be trained and socialized at a young age so they don't develop behavioral problems down the road.[5] If you're getting a puppy, you can start training it when it's around 8 weeks old.[6] You should also socialize your puppy during the first 3 months of its life by exposing it to different people, dogs, and environments. This will help it grow into a confident older dog that's less likely to have behavioral problems.[7]
- It's a myth that old dogs can't learn new tricks. If you're getting an adult male dog, you can still teach it new commands -- it might just take a little extra patience.
- Neuter your male dog to avoid behavior issues. Male dogs that haven't been neutered can sometimes be more aggressive than female dogs.[8] They also start urine marking and mounting things around 6 to 9 months of age.[9] Luckily, neutering your male dog can help reduce and sometimes eliminate these bad behaviors.
- Not all unneutered male dogs are aggressive. It also depends on the dog's temperament and how well it was socialized as a puppy. However, the testosterone in unneutered male dogs does make them more likely to be aggressive.
- Take your male dog to the vet for annual checkups to keep it healthy. Take your dog to the vet's office once per year so your vet can do a physical exam and blood work to make sure your furry friend is in tip-top shape. If you're getting a puppy, prepare to take it to the vet more frequently during its first year since it will need routine vaccinations and extra checkups.[10]
- Male dogs are prone to certain health issues that don't affect female dogs, like testicular cancer and prostate disease. Fortunately, neutering your male dog can help reduce its risk of developing these issues later on in life.[11]
[Edit]Choosing a Female Dog - Choose a female dog if you want your puppy to reach maturity more quickly. Female puppies do tend to mature faster than male puppies, which means that most female puppies are actually easier to train than male puppies of the same age.[12]
- When it comes to training, the differences between male and female dogs typically disappear, so this may not be a consideration for you if you aren't choosing a puppy.
- Try a female dog if you're hoping for a protective pet. Some people have found that female dogs are more protective of their owners, but the evidence for this is just anecdotal. A dog's training and temperament probably have more of an impact on how protective it is than its sex.[13]
- Some pet owners believe this difference is especially important if there are children in your home, since they think female dogs are more likely to protect them. Research doesn't confirm this, but it's a possibility to consider.
- Some people consider female dogs to be more family-oriented than male dogs.[14]
- Opt for a female if you're hoping for a more independent dog. Some dog owners claim that female dogs are more independent than male dogs, which can make them feel like lower-maintenance pets. This has not been confirmed by research, though.
- Go with a female dog if you want a smaller dog in that breed. Female dogs are usually smaller than male dogs of the same breed. They tend to stand shorter and weigh a little bit less. If you're on the fence about a particular breed because of how big it can get, you might want to go with a female dog to play it safe.[15]
- These differences are minimal in smaller breeds, but size could certainly be a valid consideration for larger breeds.
- Socialize and train your female dog so it's confident and well-behaved. Proper training and socializing can really impact how your dog behaves and interacts with the world. If you're getting a puppy, you can start teaching it basic commands at 8 weeks old.[16] You should also expose your puppy to different people, dogs, and environments during the first 3 months of its life so it's more comfortable around those things when it gets older.[17]
- Spay your female dog to avoid unwanted pregnancies and territorial behavior. At around 6 to 9 months of age, unspayed female dogs will start going into heat twice a year. During this time, they're anxious to mate with other dogs, and they need to be kept away from male dogs so they don't get pregnant.[18] Also, female dogs that are pregnant, ovulating, or caring for puppies can be territorial toward people and other dogs.[19] Fortunately, all of these things can be avoided if you have your female dog spayed by a vet.
- A territorial dog might become possessive over toys, shoes, socks, clothing, or other random things lying around your house.
- Spaying a female dog generally costs more than neutering a male dog. Spaying can cost around $50 to $175.[20]
- Bring your female dog to the vet once a year to keep it healthy and happy. During your dog's annual check-up, the vet will perform a physical exam and a blood test to make sure your dog is healthy. If you're getting a puppy, plan on bringing it to the vet multiple times during the first year for routine vaccinations and checkups.[21]
- Unspayed female dogs are more likely to develop certain health problems, like mammary, uterine, or ovarian cancer.[22] They're also at risk of complications related to breeding and pregnancy, like pyometra (an infection of the womb), false pregnancy, and mastitis (inflammation of the mammary glands).[23]
- Male and female dogs have their differences, but there's no rule about which sex is best. A dog's breed, temperament, training, and history will have a bigger impact on how compatible it is with you than its sex.[24]
- If you already have a dog, you may want to choose a dog of the opposite sex. Two males or two females may have a harder time getting along with each other, although this isn't always the case.
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
How to Curl Wavy Hair Posted: 22 Mar 2021 09:00 AM PDT Bringing out the natural curls of your wavy hair may be a challenge. However, there are some tricks you can use, such as scrunching your hair with your hands or a diffuser, making pin curls, or using hair rollers to achieve natural looking curls. You may also add volume and curl-enhancing products during the process of curling your hair to make the look last the day. [Edit]Scrunching and Using a Diffuser - Wash your hair with a mild shampoo.[1] Saturate your hair with water in the shower. Squeeze a quarter sized amount of sulfate-free shampoo into your palms. Rub your hands together to create a lather, then scrub it into your roots. Massage through your hair as you normally do, and then rinse it out.[2]
- Lather shampoo at the scalp only, because that's where the hair is the oiliest. The oldest and driest hair is at the bottom of the strands, so it doesn't need as much washing.
- Warm to hot water is good for washing your hair, because it opens the cuticles to remove buildup.
- Don't use circular motions, because that can tangle your hair. Use vertical strokes instead.
- Scrunch conditioner through your hair to encourage curls. This method is also known as "squish to condish." With your head leaning forward, and apply enough conditioner so your hair feels slick and smooth, almost like seaweed. Evenly work the conditioner through your hair, then rinse.[3]
- When your hair is dry, look at your curl patterns. If you want them to be tighter, use more shampoo.
- Avoid putting conditioner on your scalp, because that's where your natural oils are most concentrated.[4]
- Wrap your hair in a towel after washing it to absorb excess water. You should wrap your hair up in a microfiber towel or old cotton T-shirt for two minutes to increase the waviness and prevent frizz.[5] Place the towel on top of your head and wrap it around the hair at the nape of the neck. Once it's at the nape, wrap the towel ends all the way to the top of the head and tuck the edges around the forehead.[6]
- Apply a hair curling product to damp hair and scrunch it.[7] The product should say on the label that it will enhance curls and combat frizz. Also apply volumizing products, such as mousse, and scrunch it through your wet hair. Gently squeeze the ends of your hair up towards your roots. Move your head forward and side-to-side as you scrunch it.[8]
- Use a little bit of oil in your hair if it feels a little crunchy with product.
- Use a cream or mousse on your wavy hair. Try to avoid gels, which can be too heavy.
- Use a hair dryer diffuser to scrunch curls. After washing and applying product, blow dry your hair using a diffuser attachment on your dryer. Turn the blow dryer on, and with your hair flipped forward, lift sections gently and plop them into the diffuser. Flip your head forward and to the side while you set your hair on the diffuser. Use the fingers of the diffuser to scrunch your hair towards the roots.[9]
- Using a diffuser counteracts the heaviness of the wet hair stretching out your natural waves.
- Don't scrunch your hair with your hands while it's diffusing. Moving it as little as possible will help to minimize frizz.
[Edit]Making Pin Curls - Part your hair down the middle to create sections. Your hair should be freshly washed and blow dried completely. Divide the hair into as many small sections as you need, about wide. Twirl each section and clip it to your hair. This will create a section for you to curl later when you've curled other areas. Undo a section when you're ready to curl it.[10]
- If you have layers, separate your hair into more sections to make sure all the hair is evenly curled.[11]
- Take the first section and wrap it around two of your fingers. This creates the curl shape. Slip your fingers out of the section. Roll the hair up to the top of your head and flatten it so it looks like disk.[12]
- Make sure the end of your hair is curled up as much as possible, so the end of it won't be straight when the rest is curled.
- Pin the rounded hair disk against your head. Use two bobby pins to hold it down in an X shape.[13] Insert bobby pins so that that grooved half is facing down against the hair, because this part helps the pins stay in.[14]
- Spray a texturizing spray on the bobby pins before inserting them to prevent slippage.[15]
- Repeats this step with the rest of your hair. Unclip each section as you curl. Wrap each section around your fingers, creating the rolled curl shape. Flatten it against your head, and pint in place with bobby pins.[16]
- Check to make sure no stray hairs are left hanging. Roll and pin them up if there are.
- Wear a satin bonnet or silk scarf while you sleep. You'll be sleeping with the pin curls in your hair overnight, so a bonnet makes it more comfortable to sleep on the bobby pins and curls.[17] Satin also protects your hair from being damaged and from coming out of the pins while you sleep. You can also tie a silk scarf around your head for th same effect.[18]
- Satin keeps your hair well hydrated, as opposed to sleeping directly on cotton, which most pillowcases are made of.
- You can also buy satin pillowcases if you don't want to get a scarf or bonnet.[19]
- Take the pins out of your hair in the morning. Take off your bonnet or scarf and remove the bobby pins. Finger rake your curls as they're released to create a natural look. Feel around your head just in case you forgot any bobby pins.[20]
- Apply a product a moisturizing product to the ends of your hair. Apply a small amount of oil to your hands and rub them together, then gently cup and squeeze your curls. Argan oil, is an example of a light moisturizer for your hair. If your hair tends to get static and frizz, this will keep the ends smooth throughout the day.[21]
- Hairspray will hold curls in place throughout the day.
[Edit]Using Hair Rollers - Pick the type of rollers to use. Hair rollers are made in different shapes and sizes. Choose a set of rollers to achieve the type of curls you want. Magnetic rollers and hot rollers work efficiently, although heat can sometimes damage hair.[22]
- Foam rollers will take overnight to set, because your hair needs to be damp when you set them up.
- Small hair curlers create smaller, tighter curls, and large rollers give you beachier waves.
- Prep your hair by washing and adding a product. If you're using hot rollers, apply a setting product or a heat-activating spray or oil to your dry hair. If you're using wet rollers, use a smoothing cream, so the curls appear smooth when they're dry.[23]
- Section your hair off while it's damp with ties or clips. Make your sections as big as your rollers are. So make large sections for large rollers and smaller sections for smaller rollers.[24]
- Divide your hair into 3-5 sections. Begin with a central mohawk shape along the top and back of your head, then clip the sides or divide them in half above each ear and clip.
- While you're curling your hair, you'll separate out subsections that are about the same diameter as your rollers. Using sections that are too big will give you just a small curl at the bottom of your hair.
- Wrap your hair around the rollers. Start by lifting your hair straight up. Beginning at the tips, wrap the hair around the curler and roll down until you reach your roots. Make sure your curls are secure against your head without being too tight, so you achieve a good curl without pulling your hair at the roots.[25]
- Use caution with hot rollers, and keep your fingers on areas that are cool when you curl your hair. Let the rollers cool completely before removing them.
- Brush or comb each section before wrapping it in a curler to ensure a smooth, flawless curl.
- Secure your curlers in place. All rollers have different methods for staying in your hair. Hot rollers require clips to stay in place. Velcro attach themselves to hair, and foam rollers are secured with clips. Secure the roller so that it's flat against your head.[26]
- If you're using rollers with pin clips, put a tissue in between the clip and your hair so you don't end up with a dent in your curl.
- Put some hairspray over your hair once the rollers are set in to add extra hold.
- Let your hair set in the curlers. It will need a different amount of time depending on the rollers you use and whether your hair is wet or dry. Some take overnight, and some take a few minutes.
- Foam rollers should set overnight, but if you're pressed for time, use your blow dryer on a high setting for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Hot rollers take about 10 to 15 minutes to cool.
- Remove the rollers after the hair is dry and set. For hot rollers, you'll know to remove them when they've cooled. If you're using magnetic rollers, wait until your hair is completely dry. When removing curlers, always start with the ones at the bottom sections of your head, and then move up to avoid tangling your hair.[27]
- Make sure your hair is completely dry before removing rollers to prevent the style from dropping out too soon.
- Use hairspray to hold the look.
- Finger rake your curls gently to separate them and make a natural look.
- If your hair doesn't hold curls very well, skip conditioning when you wash your hair. This just makes your hair softer and more difficult to hold a shape.[28]
- Add a volumizing product before putting the rollers in your hair to add more hold to your curls.[29]
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Scrunching Your Hair - Microfiber towel or t-shirt
- Scrunching gel
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Diffuser attachment
- Mousse
- Curling product
[Edit]Making Pin Curls - Bobby pins
- Alligator clips
- Hair spray
- Satin bonnet
- Argan oil
[Edit]Using Hair Rollers - Hair rollers(Hot curlers, Velcro, or sponge)
- Brush
- Hairspray
- Curling product
[Edit]References |
How to Improve Your Frontal Lobe Function Posted: 22 Mar 2021 01:00 AM PDT Your frontal lobe is always hard at work, even if you don't realize it. Whether you're going for a walk, hanging out with friends, or counting change at the store, your frontal lobe is working hard to get it all done.[1] Additionally, your prefrontal cortex, or the very front of your frontal lobe, plays a big role in this critical-thinking and decision-making.[2] While there's no machine or pill that will instantly give this part of your brain a boost, there are plenty of ways to improve your brain functioning overall. [Edit]Memorize silly sentences and acronyms. - Word play forces your prefrontal cortex to tap into your memory. Give yourself an extra challenge by reading through some brain-twisting riddles, or by committing special jokes, puns, and acronyms to memory. Creating different word associations forces your brain to think a bit more flexibly as it juggles different word associations.[3]
- Here's a sample riddle: What has holes but is full of water?
The answer: A sponge!
[Edit]Solve some puzzles or brain games. - The frontal lobe plays a big role in your memory.[4] Luckily, games and puzzles can help give your memory a nice boost. Try out different word games, like unscrambling 5 letters into a variety of smaller words. Spatial games, like counting squares in a grid or rearranging toothpicks into different shapes, are also great ways to keep your brain sharp.[5]
[Edit]Cook a new recipe. - Cooking is an excellent way to exercise your prefrontal cortex. Unlike other activities, cooking involves using all 5 senses. Search online for easy recipes you can try, before working your way up to something more challenging. Cooking is also a great way to improve your memory as you prepare dishes more than one time.[6]
[Edit]Exercise frequently. - Exercise gives your memory a boost. Studies show that people who exercise regularly have more volume in their prefrontal cortex, as well as other parts of the brain. Consistently exercising for just 6 months can give your prefrontal cortex a boost. To really improve your memory, try to exercise for at least 120 minutes each week.[7]
- This exercise doesn't have to be super intense—just taking regular, brisk walks can help boost your memory.
[Edit]Meditate regularly. - Meditation increases the gray matter in your prefrontal cortex. You don't have to make a big lifestyle change—studies show that 8 weeks of basic meditation can improve your brain.[8] To help you get started, listen to guided meditations, which walk you through the process.[9]
- Guided meditations come in all sizes! You might sit and listen to a 15-minute meditation, or try a 4-minute one instead.
[Edit]Maintain a consistent sleep schedule. - Wake up and go to bed at a consistent time each night. Studies show that your memory actually improves after getting some rest. Think of your brain like an email inbox—when you sleep, your brain has more time to organize the "emails" that flooded the inbox throughout the day.[10]
- Adults need around 7-9 hours of sleep, while people over 65 should get 7-8 hours. Teens function best on 8-10 hours of sleep.[11]
[Edit]Eat beets. - Beet roots have a lot of nitrates, which turn into nitrites after you eat them. Nitrites help widen your blood vessels, and help more blood flow into your frontal lobe area.[12] Spinach, fennel, radishes, and other leafy vegetables are also high in nitrates.[13]
- Studies show that volunteering gives your brain function a boost. If you have some extra free time, look for some volunteering opportunities, like a soup kitchen or litter clean-up. You'll be improving your local community, as well as your own brain![14]
- A specific study showed that older women who were volunteer tutors for 6 months ended up with boosted cognitive skills.[15]
[Edit]Embrace curiosity and new questions. - Try not to process new thoughts and experiences automatically. Instead, ask plenty of questions and challenge your usual ways of thinking—this type of mindset really engages your frontal lobe.[16]
- If you spot a beautiful sunset, you might research why the sky is so colorful instead of simply admiring the view.
[Edit]Say thanks. - Express gratitude whenever you get the chance. When you show your appreciation, you experience more positive emotions. As you develop these positive feelings, your prefrontal cortex gets a boost.[17]
[Edit]References |
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