07/13/2024
SURVIVAL MODE:
A dog goes into what’s called survival mode”, “escape”, or “flight mode” (as in “fight” or “flight”) “running scared” when it is lost and separated from the owner. It’s like a switch goes off in their head and they are no longer a domesticated pet. Sometimes this phenomenon is called “feral” mode, and that’s actually a more descriptive term. We all know what a feral cat is… one who lives and survives on their own with no need of human connection. That’s very similar to what happens in a dog’s mind. They in essence, becomes feral. They are on their own; left only to their own devices. Humans are suspicious to him, just like predators. They believe that they only have themselves to rely on for their survival. When a dog is in Survival mode they are actually reverting to their primal instincts. Their quest becomes very basic: food/water, safety, and shelter. Some dogs go into survival mode almost immediately when separated from their owner. Some may take a day or more. It depends on the dog, situation, breed, and the circumstances surrounding them being lost. When in survival mode, even dogs that are well trained, who would never think of disobeying a “come” command, will not come. Their favorite squeak toy will not lure them from the woods. Hearing their name will not spur their recollection. It will actually make them run. The dog you know is basically repressed. They do not know their owners most of the time. Survival mode is only temporary. Once a dog is captured, he will return to normal with very little change in personality after decompressing. They will trigger easier out of nowhere, by scents, movements, sounds. Even months later.
Physiologically, though, how can this happen? How does a dog go from one personality to another so easily and sometimes so rapidly? Most of us are familiar with the function of serotonin in our bodies. If not, here’s your very brief science lesson for the day: Serotonin is a hormone responsible for a number of bodily functions including depression, sleep, sensory perception and short-term memory. When serotonin is suddenly depleted, i.e., due to stress, short-term memory is compromised. Adrenaline is going full speed & so is the dog. Stress and the resulting short-term memory loss is the perfect storm for a dog to go into survival mode. Its like when a dog senses someone is a dog person or not a dog person. They immediately are friendly with the person or stand offish from someone. It is smell of hormones & chemicals they sense that our bodies put off.
Every time people call out or approach, they run off & go into hiding. They are very smart & can take care of themselves! They usually need to be humanely trapped by someone with experience in this behavior.
Dogs go after scents, coyotes, bears, foxes, rodents, birds & other wild animals. They will take off after a smell & get lost & confused. They will bolt when gun shots, fireworks, car accidents or other loud sounds happen. Be proactive, secure them. They can still run & be free on 50-100 foot lead. It is not worth the stress for your dog or you when the go missing.
The last thing you should do is go spreading your scent, chasing or yelling its name. Stay put!! It may take time, sometimes days or longer, but dogs most of the time come back where they were lost from.
To learn more or for help with your missing or lost dog, please call us 775-721-DOGS (3647).
