How to Train Feral Dogs
- 1
Feral dogs revert to wolf-like characteristics after several generations.the dog image by hupper from Fotolia.com
During trapping, transportation and setting up the dog in a kennel or pen, always speak in a normal, even tone to the dog. Consider the dog to be completely undisciplined. Your first contact is to establish calm conditions. - 2). Allow the dog to acclimatize to its surroundings for at least 24 to 48 hours before attempting further contact. The dog may pace, whine and howl. It is common for a feral dog not to eliminate for up to four days after capture. Provide food and water for the dog.
- 3). Offer the dog treats to obtain its confidence and show that you are the provider. Establish a schedule of feeding and visits and continue to use your normal, calm speaking voice around the dog. Do not look the dog in the eye--this is an aggressive behavior and may perturb the dog.
- 4). Increase contact over the course of the next weeks or month by spending time near or in the pen if possible. Don't try to pet the dog.
- 5). When the dog is comfortable in your presence, attempt to put a collar around its neck or a harness may be more acceptable. Use of protective gear such as bite gloves is necessary for first physical contact with a feral dog. Increase contact to include petting as the dog becomes receptive.
- 6). Teach the dog to walk with a lead only in the pen or kennel. Feral dogs are likely to bolt and must be trained in contained areas. Repeat activities that engage or soothe the dog and avoid activities that raise the stress level of the dog.
- 7). Expose the dog to a trained and socialized dog. The feral dog will learn appropriate behaviors from the trained dog and this will speed up the socialization of the feral dog. Continue increased contact with the feral dog until it is acceptable as a pet.
- 8). As the dog becomes socialized and comfortable with its surroundings, people and other pets, choose a normal training regimen to further improve the dog's behavior.
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