Feral means (especially of an animal) in a wild state, especially after escape from captivity or domestication. Similar words to describe feral are "wild, untamed, undomesticated." We adopted three dogs in the last 2 years or so that are considered feral. Upon recommendation from a certified dog trainer, after evaluating temperament, recommended these dogs were deemed safe for our pack. Our pack has specific needs. First and foremost, we already have an alpha male and female. We do not bring in dogs that will challenge the hierarchy. Second is general temperament of the animal... are they overzealous and highly active? We already have a high energy pack due to sheer size. Highly active dogs make it very difficult to integrate.
The black dog pictured above is Vinny. We don't know where he came from but do know he is feral. He has turned out to be one of our best least needy dogs. He was "house broken" simply by following the other dogs in the pack. He learned the feeding and activity schedule over time. He is trainable, has learned phrases like let's go out, do you want to eat, go to your crate. He is just happy to exist. He is super playful with the other dogs in the pack as well, we have never had a fight, growl or snarl out of him. He is terrified of leashes, refuses to go on walks. He gets plenty of exercise playing with all the dogs out in the yard.
The other two dogs are brother and sister. The grey one is Jojo and then his sister is KC. Again, they have learned daily activities over time from the pack. They were easily trained to go out the doggy door and use the yard and not our house for potty breaks. Jojo is by far are most scared dog. He in the last few months will come up to me and ask to be pet. Only if you go slow and use your underhand technique. He will not let you leash him or walk him. He races to the crate but is very good about following directions. He is not as fond of our smaller pups, so we are always supervising when he is out. He does jump over our shorter fence but only to go play in the big yard. He LOVES Budroe. Budroe is our Great Dane. All three pups depend on him for their comfort. Jojo literally walks up to Budroe and sucks on his lips. His sister has become more integrated into being a domesticated dog. She is still shy but will give hugs and kisses if all is safe. She also loves going for walks.
All three dogs depend on Budroe for their safety and ease. I imagine because he is so big and gentle, they just feel comforted by his presence. The hardest part about having a feral dog is knowing they aren't as obvious with affection. You have to settle for things like them just sitting in the same room with you. Or the occasional ask for a pat on the head or chest scratch. You cannot get too excited around them or yell at them, they just cower and run for cover. We have been lucky they have never escaped, especially Vinny and JoJo who are terrified of leashes. Honestly don't believe they would go anywhere; I can tell they like their home. You can tell they are thankful for the security of a home with consistent meals and beds.
I definitely recommend looking at feral dogs if you already have an established routine with another dog in the home. This other dog can show the new one how thing is done and provide friendship. These three have been a great additon to our family. Are they skiddish? Of course, but as their primary humans I find joy seeing them thrive knowing my husband and I were able to provide them a loving home.
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