What does it mean if a dog is feral? A feral dog is a dog that has not had any interaction with humans for the majority of its life, especially during the critical puppy development phases. One of the main characteristics of a feral dog is an extreme fear of humans.
Are there any feral dogs? Most feral dogs today are descendants of domestic dogs gone wild, and they often appear similar to dog breeds that are locally common. The primary feature that distinguishes feral from domestic dogs is the degree of reliance or dependence on humans, and in some respect, their behavior toward people.
Can feral dogs make good pets? Feral dogs typically have excellent dog skills and are confident with being a dog. They are not always afraid of humans, but will often stay away from them as, again, humans are not powerful to them or are not part of their pack. You will often find feral dogs with one or more other dogs or even as a family.
How do you deal with a feral dog? Allow the dog to approach people on his own, rather than forcing him to tolerate someone. Give the dog a routine; structure helps a dog feel more comfortable. For instance, have a set schedule for hand-feeding his meals, giving him walks, sitting with him to toss treats, handling and petting him (when he is ready).