Let’s explore the fascinating world of Arab (Arabian) Village Dogs, also known as street dogs or village dogs. These resilient canines have a rich history and unique needs. We will also talk about how to fulfil these needs if you choose to adopt an Arab Village Dog.
Background of Arabian Village Dogs:
- These dogs have been companions to humans for over 12,000 years in the Middle East.
- They played a crucial role in dog evolution, spreading from the Middle East to Africa and Europe.
- Some remained in the Middle East, taking on the iconic form of the sleek Saluki.
- Panda and Chalkie are Arabian Village Dogs from Oman, called Wadi Dogs. Both are adopted from Muscat Dog Adoption for which I also volunteer.
Natural Behaviours of Arab Village Dogs whilst “on the Street”
Semi-Wild
Arabian Village Dogs exhibit a mix of wild and socialised behaviours. Arabian Village Dogs possess a fascinating blend of wild instincts and domesticated behaviours. Unlike fully domesticated dogs, which have been bred for specific traits over generations, Arabian Village Dogs often have roots tracing back to feral or semi-feral populations. As a result, they may exhibit behaviours reminiscent of their wild ancestors, such as heightened alertness, territorial instincts, and efficient scavenging skills. However, these traits are tempered by their interactions with humans, leading to a level of socialisation that allows them to coexist within human settlements.
Survival Skills
They adapt to their environment, scavenging for food and shelter. Living on the streets or in semi-urban areas necessitates a certain level of adaptability. Arabian Village Dogs have honed their survival skills to thrive in these environments. They are adept scavengers, capable of finding sustenance in a variety of sources, from discarded scraps to small prey. Additionally, they are skilled at finding shelter, whether it be in abandoned buildings, under vehicles, or in makeshift dens. Their ability to adapt to changing conditions and utilise resources efficiently is crucial for their survival in often unpredictable urban landscapes.
Natural Selection: Their behaviours reflect the environment shaped by humans
The behaviours exhibited by Arabian Village Dogs are a product of their environment, which is largely shaped by human activity. As humans develop and alter landscapes, these dogs must navigate new challenges and opportunities. Their behaviours reflect the selective pressures imposed by human presence, such as finding food sources in urban areas, avoiding potential dangers like traffic or human disturbances, and forming social structures within their communities. Through a process of natural selection, Arabian Village Dogs have adapted traits that increase their chances of survival and reproduction in the context of the human-altered environment.
Changed Needs in a Home Environment
When Arabian Village Dogs are adopted into home environments, their needs undergo significant changes compared to their lives on the streets or in semi-urban areas. On a very basic level, this would be:
- Resting Place: Provide a comfortable, dry, and quiet spot for them to rest undisturbed. Related: Understanding the Vital Role of a Safe Space for Dogs
- Toilet Area: Regular access to a designated toilet area. For more, check out this Guide I created on how to Potty Train your New Rescue Dog
- Social Interaction: Despite their semi-wild nature, they still need companionship.
However, we ideally want to provide more than this! Here are some key considerations for meeting the needs of Arabian Village Dogs in home environments:
Security and Comfort
Arabian Village Dogs accustomed to the streets may initially feel insecure in a new home environment. Providing them with a safe and comfortable space, such as a designated area with a bed or crate, helps them feel secure. Additionally, offering familiar items like blankets or toys from their previous environment can provide comfort during the transition. This is more likely the case if they’ve been in a foster home before being adopted.
If they have been taken in from the streets, Arab Village Dogs may not have specific items like blankets or toys from their previous environment on the streets. However, the idea behind offering familiar items is to provide comfort and familiarity during the transition to a new home environment. While they may not have possessions like store-bought toys, they may have developed attachments to certain objects they’ve encountered while roaming the streets, such as scraps of fabric or found items.
In the absence of specific belongings from their previous environment, you can still create a sense of comfort and security by:
Providing Soft Bedding
Offering a comfortable bed or blankets where they can rest and feel safe.
Introducing Toys and Enrichment
Introducing them to a variety of toys and enrichment activities that stimulate their senses and provide mental stimulation. These toys don’t need to be from their previous environment but should be engaging and suited to their preferences and play style.
A big hit are usually soft plush toys. Panda loves to shred them, shake em and carry them around.
Why Do Dogs Like Toys? | Why Do Dogs Shake Their Toys? | You can also find Panda and Chalkie’s fave toys here.
None of mine did understand playing as you might be used from a ‘normal bred dog’. So, throwing balls etc was very scary (and still is to Chalkie). So what we did instead is rolling balls and played tug. But I would be on my knees whilst doing so. This way I am on Chalkie’s level and he doesn’t get scared. Read your dog’s body language and figure out together what works for you.
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Creating a Routine
Establishing a consistent daily routine for feeding, exercise, and rest can help them feel secure and adjust to their new surroundings.
Using Scent
Introducing them to scents from their previous environment, such as using blankets or clothing that may carry familiar smells, can provide a sense of comfort and familiarity.
Patience and Understanding
Being patient and understanding during the adjustment period, allowing them time to explore and acclimate to their new surroundings at their own pace.
While specific items from their previous environment may not be available, the goal is to create an environment that minimises stress and provides a sense of security as they transition to their new home. By addressing these needs and providing a supportive and loving environment, Arabian Village Dogs can successfully transition from their previous lifestyle to a fulfilling life as cherished pets in their adoptive homes.
Sozialisierung
While Arabian Village Dogs may be accustomed to interacting with other dogs or people in their previous environment, the dynamics of interactions in a home setting can differ. If they are street dogs in environments, where they are seen as unsafe, then they might have experienced being hit or shushed away. These interactions were not pleasant, potentially harmful. Cars, motorbikes etc have proposed a big danger (which you can often still see in their behaviour once re-homed).
They might had people looking after them in the form of providing food and water. These were very different than having regular food in a safe home space. Also, protecting the food from others or ‘fighting’ to get a share is a regular occurrence. Therefore, resource guarding in a home environment can be often seen. If you have other pets in the home or other dogs, feed them separately and avoid leaving food unsupervised etc. to avoid fights. Proper socialisation with family members, visitors, and other pets (if applicable) is essential to help them adjust to their new surroundings and prevent potential behavioural issues.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Arabian Village Dogs are often energetic and intelligent breeds that require regular exercise and mental stimulation. They are often very ‘street smart’. For example Panda knew exactly how to open a door if there was a bag hanging off it and when she didn’t even need to bother. Daily walks, playtime, and enrichment activities such as puzzle toys or training sessions help fulfil their physical and cognitive needs. Engaging them in activities that mimic natural behaviours like scavenging or scent work can also be beneficial.
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Training and Obedience
Basic obedience training is crucial for Arabian Village Dogs to become well-adjusted members of the household. Actually, management is key in the early days! Set your dog up for success. It might be helpful to allow limited space to roam inside as they might be scared. This can also help with toilet training your new dog. If you’d like to get more information on this, I created a full “Potty Train your New Rescue Dog” Guide with trackers and more.
We used a lot of baby gates! Also, these dogs are really skilled Counter Surfers!
Training helps establish boundaries, reinforces positive behaviours, and strengthens the bond between the dog and their new family. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement techniques are essential for effective training.
Nutrition and Healthcare
Providing a balanced diet tailored to the dog’s age, size, and activity level is essential for their overall health and well-being. Regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive care are necessary to ensure they remain healthy and free from diseases common in their region. Additionally, addressing any existing health issues or parasites they may have acquired prior to adoption is important.
Affection and Bonding
Arabian Village Dogs, like all dogs, thrive on love and companionship. Building a strong bond with their adoptive family through affectionate interactions, bonding activities, and quality time together fosters a sense of security and trust. Positive reinforcement and rewards for desirable behaviours strengthen the bond between the dog and their human companions.
Enrichment Ideas to Meet Your Wadi Dogs Needs
Arabian Village Dogs, like many other breeds, thrive on mental and physical stimulation. Here are some enrichment ideas to meet their needs:
11 Enrichment Activities
Many enrichment options are free, such as exploring natural scents.
1 Exploration
Allow them to explore new environments (in a safe way!). They are pretty free spirits, so make sure they are safe when out and about. They can have also strong prey drives, so keep them on a leash if necessary!
2 Interactive Toys
Provide toys that stimulate their problem-solving skills and engage their natural instincts. Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, and interactive feeding devices are excellent options. These toys encourage dogs to work for their food, keeping them mentally stimulated and preventing boredom.
3 Sensory Activities
Engage their senses with sensory activities. Hide treats or toys around the house or yard for them to sniff out. You can also create a sensory garden with different textures, scents, and sights for them to explore.
4 Training Sessions
Arabian Village Dogs are intelligent and enjoy learning new things. Regular training sessions not only reinforce obedience but also provide mental stimulation. Teach them new tricks, practice obedience commands, or engage in agility training to keep their minds active. One thing to keep in mind: make it a good deal for them! Make it fun! And if you’d like help with training your Village Dog, please reach out. I am a dog trainer (and dog mum) who specialises in Rescue Dogs (including Street Dogs) and Bully Breeds). Below is also a video on how I trained Panda in the early days.
5 Outdoor Adventures
Take them on outdoor adventures to explore new environments and stimulate their senses. Hiking, walking in different neighbourhoods, or visiting dog-friendly parks allows them to experience new sights, smells, and sounds.
6 Sozialisierung
Encourage positive interactions with other dogs and humans. Keep it safe though and do not force your dog to interact. Arrange playdates with other friendly dogs or enrol them in doggy daycare to provide socialisation opportunities. Positive interactions with other dogs help satisfy their social needs and prevent loneliness.
7 Scent Work
Arabian Village Dogs have a keen sense of smell. Engage their olfactory senses by playing scent-based games. Hide treats or toys around the house or yard and encourage them to find them using their noses. Engage them in scenting activities like Sniffari walks or scent work classes.
8 Chew Toys
Provide appropriate chewing opportunities, to also keep your shoes and furniture safe (as me how I know haha). Provide a variety of chew toys to satisfy their natural urge to chew. Offer durable chew toys, such as rubber toys or natural bones, to keep them occupied and prevent destructive chewing behaviour. Mine loooooove natural edible chews – especially the hairy ones. Cow and goat ears are high on the list as is beef bark. Keep in mind that these chews are high value! If they don’t finish them, they might bury them in your cushions, sofa or garden. They can become protective of these areas – so please prevent this when you have other dogs in the house or children. Go instead for smaller chews that they can finish.
9 Rotating Toys
Rotate their toys regularly to keep them interesting and prevent boredom. Introduce new toys periodically to provide novelty and keep them engaged.
10 Food Puzzles
Use food puzzle toys or DIY enrichment activities to make mealtime more engaging. Stuff a Kong toy with treats or freeze a mixture of kibble and wet food in a food puzzle toy to provide a challenging and rewarding feeding experience.
11 Tug-of-War and Fetch
Play interactive games like tug-of-war or fetch to provide physical exercise and mental stimulation. These games tap into their natural prey drive and energy, keeping them active and entertained.
Note: these dogs might not be used to playing and might find this level of engagement scary when first being adopted. Introduce the toys slowly and gently. It helps if you get down on their level (sit on the floor) and play with them this way and reward a tug until they get more confident. Let them have wins and build up the skill and trust.
By incorporating these enrichment activities into their daily routine, you can help fulfill their physical, mental, and social needs, leading to a happier and more fulfilled Arabian Village Dog.
Why does it Matter to fulfil your Wadi Dog’s Needs?
In short: Meeting their needs ensures a happier and healthier transition from street life to a loving home.
Meeting the needs of a former street dog, or an “ex-street dog,” is crucial for several reasons. Here’s why it’s important and the innate behaviours that need to be accounted for:
Physical Health
Street dogs often face challenges such as malnutrition, injuries, and exposure to parasites and diseases. Meeting their physical needs ensures they receive proper nutrition, veterinary care, and a safe environment to recover from any health issues they may have developed while living on the streets.
Emotional Well-being
Street dogs may have experienced trauma, fear, and loneliness during their time on the streets. Meeting their emotional needs helps build trust, confidence, and a sense of security. Providing love, affection, and positive interactions helps them form bonds with their new family and overcome past experiences.
Behavioural Adjustment
Street dogs may exhibit behaviours such as fearfulness, aggression, or resource guarding due to their past experiences. Understanding and addressing these behaviours through positive reinforcement training, socialisation, and patience is essential for their successful integration into a home environment.
Environmental Adaptation
Street dogs are accustomed to outdoor environments and may need time to adjust to indoor living. Providing appropriate shelter, introducing them gradually to household routines, and creating a safe and comfortable indoor space helps them adapt to their new environment.
Sozialisierung
Street dogs may have had limited socialisation with humans and other animals. Exposing them to positive social experiences, such as meeting new people and friendly dogs, helps them learn appropriate social skills and build confidence in interacting with others.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Street dogs are often active and curious animals that require physical exercise and mental stimulation to thrive. Providing opportunities for play, exploration, and enrichment activities helps prevent boredom, reduces stress, and channels their energy in positive ways.
You can find Chalkie and Panda’s (my Arabian Village Dogs | Wadi Dogs) favourite toys here.
Instinctual | Innate Behaviours
Street dogs may exhibit innate behaviours such as scavenging, territoriality, and prey drive. Understanding and accommodating these behaviours through appropriate outlets, such as providing puzzle toys, scent work activities, and opportunities for supervised outdoor exploration, helps satisfy their natural instincts in a safe and controlled manner.
Overall, meeting the needs of an ex-street dog | Village Dog is essential for their physical health, emotional well-being, and successful integration into a new home environment. By understanding their unique background, innate behaviours, and individual needs, you can provide them with the care, support, and love they need to thrive as beloved companions.
Remember, each Arabian Village Dog is unique, so observe your new companion closely and tailor enrichment activities to their specific behaviours and preferences.
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