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 an important aspect of why the behavior of street dogs can be so diverse.

1. City dogs: These dogs live in the urban environment and mainly feed on food remains. In touristy -shaped cities, some are relatively courageous to get people to maintain more food. Particularly smart specimens have learned that they can be more successful in begging for food through special behavior, such as limping or pushing.
2. Land dogs: dogs that live in rural areas sometimes also feed on the hunt for smaller animals and waste that they find outside the settlements. These dogs are often very self -employed and do not always understand why people have problems with their hunting behavior and their preference for trash cans. They often see little benefits in cooperating with people because they can survive independently.
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:

Often loving people think that their dogs in their "old life" have had bad experiences with certain situations (for example with men, children, trams, etc.) and therefore have difficulty adaptation. This option certainly exists, but you should not overlook the lack of embossing and socialization. Dogs go through a embossed 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, which are born abroad as street dogs, indeed experience a freedom of movement and interaction, which enables unadulterated and undisguised body language communication. They live in a world in which conflicts are mainly solved by heavily ritualized and non -verbal signals to avoid injuries, since they live together in loose groups rather than in solid packs.

In such a free environment, these dogs have the opportunity to create the necessary space to avoid conflicts. This enables peaceful coexistence and a high degree of social skills and sensitivity in communication with fellow species. You can easily avoid conflicts or territorial disputes or leave the area in question.

In contrast, dogs that grow up in human care from birth and adapt to everyday human life have a different kind of communication and interaction. The change from a life on the street to a life in human society can actually be a "cultural shock" for these dogs.

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

The incorporated encounters can make it difficult for the former street dog to communicate in the species known to him, and lead to misunderstandings and possibly to clash, since the body language and the social signals he sends may not be properly interpreted by the other dogs.

It is therefore of the utmost importance for dog owners to understand and learn these differences in dog dog communication and how to react to the behavior of one's own dog in terms of situation in order to minimize misunderstandings and conflicts and to promote a harmonious relationship between the dogs.

Hund-human relationships / dog 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:

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

Building trust and understanding - Dog from abroad:

A deeper understanding of the needs and the way of communication of dogs can help build a stronger and more trusting relationship between humans and dogs. This is particularly important for street dogs that may have already had negative experiences with people and whose trust must first be obtained.

In the end it is up to us humans to learn the language of the dogs in order to maintain a harmonious and happy relationship with our four -legged friends and to ensure that both the needs of the dog and that of man are respected and fulfilled.

You can also find more on this at: https://www.akademiehund.de/tierchutz-den-hund-aus-dem-ausland-verbesen-lernen/

Illegal imports - dog from abroad

Despite the existence of numerous serious and renowned institutions and associations that provide excellent performance in the area of ​​animal welfare, there are also dishonest actors through which dogs are illegally transferred or sold. Manipulated dog passes and health certificates can hide, for example, available infections. In addition, the acquisition of illegal dogs promotes the criminal practice of the illegal dog trade. For this reason, affected dogs should always be purchased exclusively by trustworthy sources.

There is also a considerable need in various Northern European nations to offer dogs a new refuge. Animal welfare organizations and altruistic breeding associations are committed to rehabilitation abused and abandoned dogs and to give them a new place to stay locally. It is therefore advisable to investigate whether a dog supervised by a local animal protection association could possibly fit your environment.

Risk imported diseases - dog from abroad

When integrating a dog from overseas, there is also a risk of introducing diseases. European legislation guarantees that preventive measures, such as against rabies, will be carried out. However, there are numerous other infectious suffering and especially various parasites that are currently not present in Northern Europe and who could bring in the dogs from other territories. If these parasites are introduced, you could induce sustainable health complaints in both humans and pets. It is therefore imperative that imported dogs are subjected to a comprehensive health review by a veterinarian.

In addition, it is relevant to take into account that imported dogs are infected and still cannot manifest symptoms while at the same time they could develop chronic and sometimes potentially life -threatening diseases. It is advisable to subject dogs from overseas before or shortly after import as well as again 6 to 12 months later a blood test to specific diseases. These investigations can be financially complex. In the event of a positive result, this could result in a lifelong therapy without a healing guarantee.

Risk due to exotic tick types - dog from abroad

Imported dogs can bring exotic tick types, such as Rhipicephalus sanguineus, that have the ability to establish themselves in living spaces and may be able to transmit pathogues. In addition to the therapy against ticks, it is important that the dogs are checked on ticks and by these transferable diseases. Even if all of these prevention measures are implemented, there is still no warranty that all ticks have been eliminated. On this occasion, periodic surveillance on ticks is essential.

Alternatives - final thoughts on dogs from abroad

The period of time, the financial expenses and the potential consequences of an illness that are associated with the integration of a dog from abroad should be conscientiously against each other before the introduction. It should also be considered that there are various alternatives to adoption to relieve the precarious situation of dogs abroad and to optimize the circumstances of the dogs in the respective states: support international organizations to improve the conditions for dogs locally. Proactive in local animal welfare organizations to optimize the attitude towards dogs and their living conditions together with communities.

For example, get involved in campaigns on social platforms to intensify the awareness of the emergency situation of dogs in numerous countries in the world. Due to the local accommodation of dogs and the promotion of national animal welfare organizations, living conditions for dogs can be upgraded, and at the same time it can be prevented from spreading parasitic diseases in new territories.

It is undeniable that the absorption of a street dog from animal welfare or from abroad can be both a demanding and a rewarding experience. You are right that trust is not built up overnight, especially if the dog has a story of neglect or abuse. And as they emphasized correctly, it can be an enormous challenge for some street dogs that have already adapted to a life in the wilderness to get used to a life in a household.

Ethical considerations - dog from abroad

The ethical dimension of the "rescue" of a street dog is complex. You have to carefully consider whether the "rescue" and mediation in a household is actually in the best interest of the dog. Some dogs can adapt and thrive in a home environment, while others can have permanent difficulties.

The comparison with the lion illustrates drastically but aptly, the moral and ethical complexity of this question. It is essential to always put the well -being of the animal in the first place and to ensure that the "rescue" is actually in the best interest of the dog, and not only satisfies the needs or wishes of the people.

Importance of animal welfare abroad

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

Sensitization and education as dogs from abroad

The formation of future owners on the needs and challenges of street dogs and animals in general is of crucial importance. The better the people understand the animals they absorb, the greater the probability that these animals will find a loving and permanent home.

Final thoughts on dogs from abroad

Ultimately, the adoption of a street dog requires a high degree of empathy, patience, understanding and obligation. It is important to set the realistic expectations and ensure that one is both financially and emotionally able to meet the needs of the dog. Animal welfare, be it at home or abroad, is an important and noble task, which, however, also requires careful consideration and planning to ensure that it is in the best interest of everyone involved.

In fact, the decision to adopt a dog from foreign animal protection can indeed require considerable commitment and a well thought -out consideration. It is important to take into account the needs and well -being of the dog that the chosen environment suits it well in order to make living together as harmonious as possible.

Careful consideration and selection

It is essential that future dog owners take into account the specific needs and preferences of your dog, and that you choose a dog that fits your lifestyle and surroundings. Understanding the origin and the previous environment of the dog can help to ensure more successful integration and happier coexistence. A dog that grew up in the urban environment will probably adapt more easily to life in a city, while a dog from rural areas may fit better in a rural environment.

Dedication and patience with dogs from abroad

The establishment of a bond with a dog from the protection of foreign animals can require time, patience, dedication and often training. A careful and well thought -out approach can help to establish a deep and trusting relationship between dog and owner. I respect and admire the people who face this challenge and find great pleasure to support them on this trip and to convey between the needs of the dog and the wishes of the owner.

Alternatives and support for dogs from abroad

For those who want to help dogs but do not have the opportunity to absorb a dog, there are numerous other ways to provide support, e.g. B. by donating for castration projects or medical care. In this way, one can help relieve the suffering of street dogs and to 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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