A dog from abroad - introduction

The import of dogs from abroad is experiencing an increasing trend in various European nations. Globally, countless dogs exist in conditions that are not species-appropriate: many are strays, many come from unregulated breeding establishments and some are even used for food. This situation has motivated various charitable institutions and autonomous associations to import dogs in order to enable them to be adopted in a more animal-friendly country. Although these dogs often desperately need a new home, there are a number of aspects to consider when integrating such an animal.

Socialization process - dog from abroad

Numerous dogs eke out an existence as strays or only live in enclosures. This can result in some people being inadequately socialized and reacting with fear to human contact. This can initially lead to nervous aggressiveness, separation anxiety and other behavioral problems. Canine experts can assist new owners in acclimating the dog to its new domesticated environment; however, this requires considerable time and adaptability. For these reasons, households with limited time or small children are less suitable for overseas dogs. More on that in a moment.

Different types of “street dogs” - dog from abroad

First of all, it is important to explain that there are different types of “street dogs”. These differences represent a significant aspect of why street dog behavior can be so diverse.

1. City dogs: These dogs live in urban environments and feed primarily on leftover food. In tourist-oriented cities, some people approach people relatively boldly in order to get more food. Particularly clever specimens have learned that they can be more successful when begging for food through special behavior, such as limping or whining.
2. Country dogs: Dogs that live in rural areas also feed themselves partly by hunting smaller animals and on waste that they find outside of settlements. These dogs are often very independent and don't always understand why people have problems with their hunting behavior and their love of trash cans. They often see little benefit in cooperating with humans because they can survive on their own.
3. Abandoned dogs: Here you have to differentiate between dogs that were abandoned and those that were born in the “wild”. Dogs that have been abandoned have had previous experience with people and may understand human body language better. In contrast, dogs whose parents already showed distrust of people tend to be suspicious of people too.

These different living conditions and characteristics of street dogs must be taken into account when adopting and integrating them into a new home in order to enable both the dog and the owner to have a harmonious everyday life.

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From reserved to difficult dog – loss of control & culture shock

Dogs from abroad often show very reserved, inconspicuous behavior in the first few weeks or months. This is usually due to “culture shock” and a significant loss of control that the dogs experience as a result of being rescued and integrated into our civilization.

To make this clearer, you can imagine the following example: Imagine you live in a rural area in Bavaria, grew up here and are well integrated. They feel comfortable, despite the challenges of rural life, such as infrequent bus service and slow internet. You speak Bavarian and no other languages ​​are necessary for you.

Suddenly someone will come by in the night, take you away, and you'll wake up the next morning on the 30th floor of a skyscraper in Bangkok. You cannot understand the family you are staying with because they only speak Thai. You are unsure whether the people around you are trustworthy. The city is full of traffic. You have no idea why you are here, what will happen to you and what your next day will be like - because you don't understand the language.

You are even limited in choosing your food because you are unfamiliar with the food and the characters. If you now feel uncomfortable and never want to find yourself in such a situation, then you can understand how overwhelming and frightening these experiences must be for a (street) dog from abroad.

The same applies the other way around: Imagine you are a city dweller, for example from New York, and suddenly you wake up among an indigenous tribe in the rainforest of Borneo. It should now be understandable why a street dog is so reserved and inconspicuous in the first few weeks. He has to process the shock and feel safe. This acclimatization phase often brings difficulties in the relationship between humans and dogs.

When the dog then begins to acclimatise a little, one often observes very similar problematic behavior patterns, such as aggressive behavior on a leash towards other dogs, aggression or fear towards people (especially in the new home), separation anxiety, fear of the city, of noises, etc If we look at this from the dogs' perspective, it becomes clear how challenging and frightening this new world can be for them.

The world of street dogs compared to our civilization - dog from abroad

Dog – environmental relations / dogs from abroad:

Loving people often think that their dogs had bad experiences with certain situations in their “old lives” (e.g. with men, children, trams, etc.) and therefore have difficulty adapting. This possibility certainly exists, but one should not overlook the lack of conditioning and socialization. Dogs go through an imprinting and socialization phase in the first 16 weeks of their lives.

The time in which they are puppies is therefore of great importance. Everything that the puppies experience as pleasant during this time will also be viewed as “pleasant” and “safe” in the future. Therefore, rescuing young street dogs (they are only allowed to enter Germany after being immunized against rabies at around 5 months old) is just as challenging as rescuing adult street dogs.

For example, if such dogs are born in rural areas from very shy parents, caught at about a year old and then placed in a city in Germany via an animal shelter, they are not familiar with stimuli such as trams, narrow streets and fast cars.

It is understandable that a dog that has been left to its own devices for a long time and has to ensure its own safety would classify such unknown and difficult-to-process stimuli as dangerous and have difficulty coping with them.

It must also be taken into account that street dogs that are sick or cannot adapt to their environment often cannot survive on the street. So anyone who rescues a street dog must be aware that they are taking in a dog that is well adapted to its original environment and may have characteristics (such as independent action) that are often viewed as problematic in our civilization.

Ultimately, adopting such a dog requires a lot of patience, understanding and often special training approaches to help the dog adapt to its new environment and lifestyle and to enable a harmonious coexistence together.

Dog-Dog Relationships / Dog from Abroad

The dogs that are born abroad as street dogs actually experience a freedom of movement and interaction that allows for genuine and undisguised body language communication. They live in a world where conflicts are predominantly resolved through highly ritualized and non-verbal signals to avoid injury, as they live together in loose groupings rather than tight packs.

In such a free environment, these dogs have the opportunity to create the space they need to avoid conflict. This enables peaceful coexistence and a high level of social competence and sensitivity in communication with other animals. In the event of conflicts or territorial disputes, you can simply avoid them or leave the area in question.

In contrast, dogs that are raised in human care from birth and are adapted to everyday human life have a different way of communicating and interacting. The transition from a life on the streets to a life in human company can actually be akin to “culture shock” for these dogs.

The challenge arises when such street dogs meet other dogs on walks in a new environment and are on a leash. This restriction of movement and communication, coupled with a possible misunderstanding by the “local” dogs, can quickly lead to conflicts.

The limited encounters can make it difficult for the former street dog to communicate in the way he knows how and lead to misunderstandings and possibly arguments as the body language and social signals he sends may not be correctly interpreted by the other dogs .

Therefore, it is of utmost importance for dog owners to understand these differences in dog-dog communication and to learn how to respond to their own dog's behavior appropriately to the situation in order to minimize misunderstandings and conflicts and promote a harmonious relationship between the dogs .

Dog-human relationships / dogs from abroad

You are absolutely right. Street dogs often develop a particularly sophisticated and sensitive form of communication in order to cope with their environment and social structures. People often misinterpret dogs' body language and do not understand how their own actions can be perceived by dogs. Unfortunately, this often leads to misunderstandings and in some cases can lead to serious problems, as you described.

Misunderstandings in communication - Dog from abroad:

As you said, a human leaning over to pet a dog may think it's logical for practical reasons, while the dog may interpret it as a threat or dominance gesture. Such misunderstandings can confuse and stress the dog and can make him feel insecure or threatened.

Unrecognized warning signals - dogs from abroad:

Many people don't recognize the subtle signs of discomfort or stress in a dog. For example, if a dog flattens his ears, stiffens his body, stares, or growls, these are all warning signs that he is uncomfortable. Unfortunately, many people miss these signals and unexpected bites can occur that are then perceived as “unexplained” or “without warning.”

Importance of Education - Dog from Abroad:

To avoid such situations, it is essential that dog owners and people who are in contact with dogs in general are better informed and educated about dog body language and behavior. It is important to understand how dogs communicate and what their gestures and behaviors may mean in order to respond appropriately and avoid conflicts or misunderstandings.

Building trust and understanding - Dog from abroad:

A deeper understanding of dogs' needs and ways of communicating can help build a stronger, more trusting relationship between humans and dogs. This is particularly important for street dogs who may have had negative experiences with people and whose trust needs to be gained.

Ultimately, it is up to us humans to learn the language of dogs in order to maintain a harmonious and happy relationship with our four-legged friends and to ensure that both the dog's and human's needs are respected and met.

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Illegal imports - dog from abroad

Despite the existence of numerous reputable and renowned institutions and associations that provide excellent services in the field of animal protection, there are also dishonorable actors through which dogs are illegally transferred or sold abroad. Manipulated dog passports and health certificates can, for example, conceal existing infections. Furthermore, the acquisition of illegal dogs promotes the criminal practice of illegal dog trafficking. For this reason, affected dogs should always only be purchased from trustworthy sources.

There is also a significant need to offer dogs a new refuge in various northern European nations. Animal protection organizations and altruistic breeding associations are committed to rehabilitating mistreated and homeless dogs and giving them a new home locally. It is therefore advisable to investigate whether a dog cared for by a local animal welfare association might be a good fit for your environment.

Risk of imported diseases - dog from abroad

When integrating a dog from overseas, there is also the risk of introducing diseases. European legislation guarantees that preventive measures, for example against rabies, are taken. However, there are numerous other infectious diseases and especially various parasites that are not currently present in Northern Europe and that dogs could bring in from other territories. If introduced, these parasites could cause lasting health problems in both humans and pets. Therefore, it is imperative that imported dogs undergo a comprehensive health check by a veterinarian.

It is also relevant to consider that imported dogs can be infected and yet not manifest symptoms, while at the same time they could develop chronic and sometimes potentially life-threatening diseases. It is recommended that dogs from overseas be subjected to blood testing for specific diseases before or shortly after importation and again 6 to 12 months later. These examinations can be financially costly. If the result is positive, this could result in lifelong therapy with no guarantee of cure.

Risk from exotic tick species - dogs from abroad

Imported dogs can bring with them exotic species of ticks, such as Rhipicephalus sanguineus, which have the ability to establish themselves in living spaces and may transmit pathogens. In addition to treatment against ticks, it is important that the dogs are checked for ticks and diseases transmitted by them upon arrival. Even if all of these prevention measures are implemented, there is still no guarantee that all ticks have been eliminated. For this reason, periodic monitoring for ticks is essential.

Alternatives - final thoughts on dogs from abroad

The length of time, the financial costs and the potential consequences of an illness that accompany the integration of a dog from abroad should be carefully weighed up against each other before the introduction. It should also be taken into account that there are various alternatives to adoption in order to alleviate the precarious situation of dogs abroad and to sustainably optimize the conditions for dogs in the respective countries: Support international organizations to improve the conditions for dogs locally to improve. Be proactive in local animal welfare organizations to work with communities to optimize attitudes towards dogs and their living conditions.

For example, engage in campaigns on social platforms to increase awareness of the plight of dogs in many countries around the world. By housing dogs locally and supporting national animal protection organizations, living conditions for dogs can be improved and, at the same time, parasitic diseases can be prevented from spreading in new territories.

There is no denying that adopting a stray dog ​​from a shelter or abroad can be both a challenging and rewarding experience. You are right that trust is not built overnight, especially if the dog has a history of neglect or abuse. And as you rightly point out, for some street dogs that have already adapted to life in the wild, adjusting to life in a household can be a huge challenge.

Ethical considerations - dog from abroad

The ethical dimension of “rescuing” a street dog is complex. You have to carefully consider whether “rescuing” and placing it in a household is actually in the best interests of the dog. Some dogs can adapt and thrive in a home environment, while others may have ongoing difficulties.

The comparison with the lion dramatically but aptly illustrates the moral and ethical complexity of this question. It is essential to always put the animal's welfare first and ensure that the "rescue" is actually in the best interest of the dog, and not just to satisfy the needs or desires of humans.

Importance of animal protection abroad

Despite these ethical concerns, international animal protection is of great importance. Many street dogs live in conditions that endanger their health and well-being. In some countries where resources for animal welfare are limited, help from international organizations and individuals is crucial.

Raising awareness and education about dogs from abroad

Educating future owners about the needs and challenges of street dogs and animals in general is crucial. The better people understand the animals they take in, the greater the likelihood that those animals will find loving, permanent homes.

Final thoughts on dogs from abroad

Ultimately, adopting a street dog requires a high level of empathy, patience, understanding and commitment. It is important to set realistic expectations and ensure that you have both the financial and emotional ability to meet the dog's needs. Animal welfare, whether domestically or internationally, is an important and noble mission, but one that also requires careful consideration and planning to ensure it is in the best interests of all involved.

In fact, the decision to adopt a dog from an overseas animal shelter can require significant commitment and thoughtful consideration. It is important to take into account the dog's needs and well-being and ensure that the chosen environment suits him well in order to make coexistence as harmonious as possible.

Careful consideration and selection

It is essential that future dog owners consider their dog's specific needs and preferences and that they choose a dog that fits their lifestyle and environment. Understanding the dog's origins and previous environment can help ensure a more successful integration and happier coexistence. A dog raised in an urban environment will likely adapt to life in a city more easily, while a dog from a rural area may be a better fit in a rural environment.

Dedication and patience with dogs from abroad

Building a bond with a dog from an animal shelter abroad can take time, patience, dedication and often training. A careful and thoughtful approach can help establish a deep and trusting relationship between dog and owner. I respect and admire the people who take on this challenge and find great joy in supporting them on this journey and mediating between the dog's needs and the owner's wishes.

Alternatives and support for dogs from abroad

For those who want to help dogs but do not have the opportunity to adopt a dog, there are numerous other ways to provide support, such as: B. through donations for castration projects or medical care. In this way you can help alleviate the suffering of street dogs and support animal welfare abroad.

conclusion

Awareness of the responsibility and challenges that come with adopting a dog from an animal shelter abroad is of great importance. However, a conscious, thoughtful decision, combined with dedication, patience and understanding of the dog's needs, can lead to an enriching and fulfilling relationship in which both the dog and the owner are happy and content.

Summary dog ​​from abroad

Integrating a dog from abroad can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Often these dogs come from environments where they lived as street dogs, which has influenced their interactions with people and other dogs. A dog from abroad brings with it a different character that is shaped by his life experiences in his home country.

Communicating with a dog from abroad requires a high level of sensitivity and understanding, as these dogs have learned in their native environment to communicate in a specific way, which is often more delicate and subtle than human communication. Human body language can be irritating and misleading for a dog from abroad, especially when it comes to caresses and petting, as these can often be interpreted as a threat.

Trust is a key element when dealing with a dog from abroad, and this often has to be hard earned. These dogs have often experienced humans as a threat in their first few years of life, and it can take a while for a dog from abroad to learn that their new human means them no harm.

It is important to choose the right dog from abroad, especially considering the living conditions. A dog raised in an urban environment may have difficulty adapting to rural life, and vice versa. The breed origins and the associated characteristics, such as territorial behavior in livestock guard dogs, must also be taken into account.

The process of adapting a dog from abroad can be lengthy and complex, especially if the dog is already an adult and has lived independently for several years. It is essential to invest patience, dedication and time in building a trusting relationship to acclimate the dog to the new civilization.

Not every dog ​​from abroad finds a suitable place quickly and can be rehomed several times before it finds a forever home. However, rescuing a dog from abroad is often a life-changing experience for both the dog and the owner, and there are many success stories of harmonious relationships between people and dogs from abroad.

In order to effectively help a dog from abroad, you can also make direct donations for castration projects or medical care in local animal shelters, thus helping many dogs in their original environment.

Dealing with a dog from abroad requires a lot of sensitivity, patience and a willingness to communicate and adapt. It is a moral and emotional commitment that should not be taken lightly to ensure that both the overseas dog and the owner are happy and content in their relationship.

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