29/04/2024
I am back and our vacation was amazing. I got to spend lots of time with family but also took alot of time to understand the strays and loose dogs on the beach and in town.
Seeing the way that these dogs thrive in a survival setting was not only intriguing but also very educational. These dogs have to survive to live and boy oh boy does that make for some extremely balanced dogs. It's amazing to watch dogs that so many of us are trying to "rescue" yet once taken from such a free life it's easy to understand where their problems occur and it is not from the streets. We see these dogs and think "poor pups" yet besides medical attention, the freedom and natural consequences these dogs have is what makes them have so much balance and peace. Intact males everywhere, females in heat, and there is more peace amongst these dogs then their is at a dog park.
I got to know a couple dogs and really watched their demeanor before taking some of these photos. As a dog proffesional I highly recommend not taking selfies with any strange dog like you may see I have below. I have spent years upon years studying dogs behaviour to know when physical touch and closeness is acceptable and when it is not. The photo you see of me taking a selfie was done after spending an afternoon next to this incredible boy.
I got to witness a dispute between two males over a female in heat and it was so interesting to see the dynamic that these dogs have. Things were settled before my instincts of separating a dog fight even kicked in. Not that I would ever put myself into a street dog fight, but generally I would yell "No."
It really solidified our methods and proved that treats are not part of the dog world. On multiple occasions I watched these dogs communicate with eachother, correct eachother, and live in peace amongst eachother. I watched these dogs set clear boundaries and work it out with nothing other then body language, growling, and demeanor. Their positive reinforcement on the beach and street is getting to be a member of their pack and the love and affection of the other dogs included.
Next time you are on vacation I highly recommend taking an hour or two to see how these dogs work. It just may help you understand what your pet at home is lacking, or needs in order to be as pleasant and balanced as the strays. ❤️
