Many people have commented, after adopting a dog from the streets (such as a Sato from Puerto Rico), how well-adjusted, happy and so easy to train they are. A friend of ours (Debra Malinics) asked a trainer about that and the reply was interesting: these are DOGs – they had a pack, they wandered, they were off leash, and though they don't have much of a chance for a long life, they get to be dogs and do the things dogs love to do.
When we think about it, most dogs in America have difficult lives. They are left alone most of the day, separated from a pack, have little if any socialization, never get to play with other dogs and don't get much exercise. According to Temple Grandin, in her book Animals in Translation, you can walk down any city street and you will hear dogs barking, whining, crying, separated and alone. Dogs needs to be dogs -- the best thing we can do for them is let them off lead for an hour a day to be dogs. This is why dog parks and socialization classes are so important. All dogs live to play with other dogs (our Jolie – the Empress Dowager – a dedicated loner who stays velcro'd to my leg most of the day may be an exception).
So the conclusion is that these rescued street dogs are so friendly because they are socialized. Allowing them to romp around with some doggie pals every day keeps them happy and well-adjusted. I have observed and many others have commented that, even though it may be inconvenient, taking them to the dog park or the beach to allow them to run off-leash makes them more sociable, communicative and a more enjoyable companion.
According to Cesar Milan, dogs need three things: exercise, discipline and love. I'm sure he didn't mean to omit the fourth, socialization with other dogs, because he always stresses the importance of taking your dog to the dog park (in addition to but not as a replacement for a walk).
Chris
Many thanks again to Debra Malinics for providing the core of this post.
Closing Note: Jolie - the Empress Dowager - has ruled the household as Queen since we lost Emma (our 11-year-old and very sick Brittany) two year ago . . . that is, until Layla arrived in January. Other than Emma, and now Layla, she has never socialized well with other dogs. We know that she was terribly physically abused when she was a pup before we rescued her in Brooklyn and could not be touched for the first year. She still shies away from strangers who bend down to pet her. We assume that part of the abuse she suffered was from larger and more aggressive dogs (she's very submissive by nature).
Second Closing Note (added): Layla got away from me this morning while I was drying off the two dogs after returning from a walk on the beach in the rain. She took off on her own to go explore right after I had taken her harness off which has her ID badge on it. All types of negative thoughts entered my head including how I was going to discipline her.
Then I realized that today is trash pickup day in our neighborhood and I knew exactly what she was doing. I hopped in the car and drove slowly up the block to find her nibbling on some trash that had apparently spilled out of a trash can down the street. A simple call of her name while holding out a treat and she was back in the car -- soaked and dirty but both of us happy to be together again. She was just doing what dogs do!
