Are we no better than Dogs?

[southernhybrid]

 

[pood]

 

[Elixir]

“Maybe I’ll let him have this bone - at least he’ll keep raccoons away.”

10k yrs later:

 

[DBT]

There is no happier face to be seen than on that Pup.

 

[unapologetic]

If humans did not care for dogs after they are weaned, they would just die.

Are you suggesting all feral dogs are escapees?

 

[unapologetic]

female dogs ABANDON THEIR YOUNG after 6-8 weeks of weaning, and the male dog is NEVER AROUND TO BEGIN WITH, because Daddy ran out after humping momma?? Therefore, without us, the puppies would JUST DIE. SHEESH!

Wolves do not need us to rase their young. If dogs do, it is because WE DID THAT TO THEM.
How dare you talk of that as if we are doing them a favor.

The leash is for their PROTECTION, and they DO NOT CARE! Many dogs, when informed that they are going for “walkies,” rush to fetch their leashes and they bring it to their humans while wagging their tails and jumping for joy!

2 words:
Stockholm Syndrome.
They jump for joy for the walk. Not the leash.
Perversely, the leash represents a degree of freedom.

It’s just what IS. If humans did not care for dogs after they are weaned, they would just die.

I don't know enough about feral dogs to challenge that. But I think I should.

 

[Politesse]

Wild dogs most certainly exist, and survive their infancies.

 

[pood]

Jesus, another one.

 

[southernhybrid]

Wild dogs most certainly exist, and survive their infancies.

https://enviroliteracy.org/can-dogs-survive-in-the-wild-on-their-own/

Yes, dogs can survive in the wild on their own, but their success hinges on a multitude of factors. It’s not a simple yes or no answer. The capacity of a domestic dog to thrive independently in a natural environment is influenced by breed, prior experiences, location, availability of resources, and the presence of predators. While our canine companions retain residual survival instincts, their long history of domestication has often diminished their reliance on these skills. Therefore, the likelihood of a dog’s successful transition to a feral existence varies greatly.

​

A domesticated dog, accustomed to regular meals and sheltered living, faces significant challenges when thrust into the wild. Unlike their wild ancestors, modern dogs have been bred for specific traits, often prioritizing aesthetics and companionship over survival skills. This means many dogs lack the necessary hunting prowess, foraging knowledge, and the resilience needed to cope with harsh environmental conditions.

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The breed of a dog plays a crucial role in its ability to adapt to the wild. Smaller breeds, particularly those with short legs, flat faces, and minimal body fat (e.g., Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, French Bulldogs) are the least likely to survive for long periods. These dogs are ill-equipped for traversing rough terrain, hunting, or enduring harsh weather. Larger, more robust breeds with greater physical stamina and a history of working alongside humans, may have a better chance at survival. However, even they face difficulties without training and adaptation.

3. What is the average lifespan of a wild dog?​

While wild dogs can live for up to 12 years, most have a lifespan of 5-7 years. This shorter lifespan is due to factors like predation, disease, and lack of consistent food sources.

Sure, some can survive in the wild, but they have horrible lives. A few years ago, I saw a young man trying to lure an abandoned dog with some hot dog rolls. The dog was extremely thin. You could see every bone in its body. My hope was that the young man was going to try to adopt the dog and restore it's health. Whenever I see a stray dog I burst into tears. Humans are the bad guys, not the dogs.

 

[Politesse]

I was not intending to advocate pet abandonment. Few animals capable of surviving in captivity fare better in the wild. It is however simply untrue that wild or feral dogs perish immediately upon being weaned as the poster was suggesting. The only organisms wholly dependent on humans for survival are certain agricultural cultivars, and microrganisms like HPV that have adapted to live in our microbiome. Large animals can generally survive on their own for a little while, and indeed it would be good for even pet owners to understand that their dogs and cats and so forth have natural instincts, meant to aid them in surviving a very different landscape than your home.