What is a Feral Dog and Why Should We Care

A feral dog is a dog that has been abandoned or has escaped from its owner and has learned to survive on its own in the wild. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including natural disasters, owner abandonment, or simply getting lost.

Feral dogs are often misunderstood and viewed as a nuisance, but they are actually an important part of their ecosystems.

They play a crucial role in controlling populations of small animals, such as rodents and rabbits, which can be detrimental to the environment if left unchecked.

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A feral dog is a dog that has been born and raised in the wild, often the offspring of stray or lost dogs.

Feral dogs are typically wary of humans and can be unpredictable in their behavior.

They have adapted to living in the wild, surviving on their own by hunting and scavenging for food, and often forming packs with other feral dogs.

Feral dogs are not the same as stray dogs, which are dogs that have been abandoned or lost but still retain a strong instinct to be around humans.

In fact, feral dogs have undergone significant changes in their behavior and physiology over time, allowing them to thrive in the wild.

Feral dogs are incredibly intelligent when it comes to survival, and they're very adaptive. They know no other way of life.

Feral dogs typically have excellent dog skills and are confident with being a dog. They're not always afraid of humans, but will often stay away from them.

Feral dogs are not always aggressive, but will protect themselves if confronted. They're just trying to survive in their environment.

You'll often find feral dogs with one or more other dogs or even as a family.

Feral dogs can come from anywhere that a dog is not properly socialized.

Feral dogs are often found in urban areas where they have little to no human interaction from a young age.

A stray dog can have a litter of puppies in an abandoned house with no human contact during their key developmental period, resulting in all the puppies becoming feral.

This cycle can continue as the feral puppies grow up and have their own litters, perpetuating the problem.

Dogs used for breeding in puppy mills often have very little interaction with humans, leading to feral tendencies.

These dogs may be confined to small spaces with no opportunity for exercise, socialization, or affection, which can contribute to their feral behavior.

It only takes 28 days for a dog to begin displaying feral behaviors if it is abandoned or set loose on the streets without regular positive interactions with humans.

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Feral dogs can be broadly categorized into several types based on their origins and characteristics.

There are three main types of feral dogs: community dogs, village dogs, and stray dogs.

Community dogs are often found in areas with a high human population density, such as cities and towns, and have adapted to living among humans.

The United States has a much smaller feral dog population, however, they do exist. Feral dogs in the US are often born in the "wild" and have never had human contact.

These feral dogs do not typically live as long as their domesticated counterparts. A truly feral dog should be approached with caution.

Feral dogs live as any other wild creature, and do not know the life of a domesticated pet dog.

Stray dogs are a unique group that have had some level of interaction with humans at some point in their lives. This interaction can range from being raised with humans for months or years to simply having contact with humans before becoming stray.

Strays often lack the survival skills that feral dogs have, making their lives shorter and more challenging. They may have been abandoned, lost, or neglected by their humans.

Many stray dogs are fearful of humans and may exhibit symptoms of fear such as snapping, biting, and avoidance. Their behavioral issues depend on their previous experiences with humans.

Strays can have varying levels of trust in humans, depending on their past interactions. Some may eagerly approach humans, while others may be more cautious.

If you're considering adopting a stray dog, be prepared to provide training and positive reinforcement to help build a trustworthy relationship. Strays benefit from having a leader who can introduce them to the domesticated world in a positive way.

Feral dogs can be rehabilitated into domestic dogs with a lot of work and dedication from people willing to put in the time and effort. This process requires consistency, routine, and patience. Feral dogs find comfort in each other, often living in groups of 4 or 5 in kennels.

To build a relationship with a feral dog, it's essential to be a positive leader, make occasional sounds to get their attention, and reward them with treats for desired behavior. You should also teach them things to build their confidence. Eye contact, sudden movements, and invading their space can be threatening to feral dogs, so it's best to let them come to you.

Here are some key things to remember when interacting with a feral dog:

Helping feral dogs requires a gentle and understanding approach. Eye contact can be a threat to them, so be cautious when interacting.

Making sudden movements can also be intimidating, so try not to turn your back towards them. Backing them into a corner is not safe, as it can make them feel trapped.

Chasing them is not advisable, as it can lead to fear and aggression. Instead, let them come to you and establish a relationship based on trust.

Here are some specific behaviors to avoid when interacting with a feral dog:

Rehabilitating feral dogs requires a great deal of work, but it's not impossible. It's essential to keep in mind that feral dogs live by survival instincts, and they need to be approached with caution.

Feral dogs can be rehabilitated into domestic dogs, but it's crucial to have people who are willing to put in the time and effort to help them. The amount of time it takes to rehab a feral dog varies depending on the dog and the situation it comes from.

Feral dogs often find comfort in each other, and sometimes you can find 4 or 5 dogs in a kennel together at one time. This social interaction is a great sign that they're starting to trust each other.

Consistency, routine, and patience are key when rehabilitating a feral dog. Dogs, like children, learn to trust when they're babies, but a feral life means there's a complete lack of consistency and it's all about survival.

To build a proper relationship with a feral dog, you should be a positive leader and make occasional sounds with your mouth to get their attention. You should also keep treats in your pocket to reward them when they exhibit desired behavior.

Here are some things to avoid when interacting with a feral dog:

By following these guidelines and being patient, you can help a feral dog trust you and eventually become a loving companion.