Integration ability of urban free-ranging dogs into adoptive families' environment

In developing countries such as Turkey, problems arising from the growing population of urban free-ranging dogs affect welfare of those dogs and the surrounding community. Urban free-ranging dogs are often not considered as the first choice by adopters because a pre-existing history of indoor life, belonging to a certain breed, and friendly temperament are significant criteria for adoption. Integration ability of these dogs into a family environment is unknown as no detailed studies have been conducted. The aim of this study was to characterize the behavioral characteristics of urban free-ranging dogs in their adoptive families' environment during postadoption period. The data were obtained from questionnaires completed by 75 volunteer owners of urban free-ranging dogs. Most respondents (74.7%) reported that their dogs showed timidity or fear when they first arrived in the home. Yet most owners (69.3%) reported that behaviors of their dogs have changed in a positive way through the postadoption period. The most common behavior problems reported for the dogs were indicated as hyperattachment to the owner (58.7%) and escaping (32.0%). Most owners reported that they did not have a trouble either in house training (72.0%) or in leash training (65.3%) their dogs. Findings of this research indicate that urban free-ranging dogs are adaptable and can adapt to their adoptive families' environment.