Feral/Domestic Dog (Canis familiaris)

The Definitive Guide to Dog Control and Where to Find a
Wildlife Control Professional!

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Identification

In appearance, most feral dogs are difficult, if not impossible, to distinguish from domestic dogs. Like domestic dogs, feral dogs (sometimes referred to as wild or free-ranging dogs) manifest themselves in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and even breeds. German shepherds, Doberman pinschers, and collies are breeds that often become feral. Most feral dogs today are descendants of domestic dogs gone wild, and they often appear similar to dog breeds that are commonly seen in the home.

The primary feature that distinguishes feral from domestic dogs is the degree of reliance or dependence on humans, and in some respect, their behavior toward people. Feral dogs survive and reproduce independently of human intervention or assistance. While it is true that some feral dogs use human garbage for food, others acquire their primary subsistence by hunting and scavenging like other wild canids.

Range

Feral dogs are the most widespread of the wild canids. They may occur wherever people are present and permit dogs to roam free or where people abandon unwanted dogs. Feral dogs probably occur in all of the 50 states, Canada, and Central and South America.

Home ranges of feral dogs vary considerably in size and are probably influenced by the availability of food. Dog packs that are primarily dependent on garbage may remain in the immediate vicinity of a dump, while other packs that depend on livestock or wild game may forage over an area of 50 square miles or more.

Damage Caused by Dogs Domestic and Feral

Livestock and poultry can be victims of harassment, injury, and death from both domestic and feral dogs. Distinguishing between livestock killed by domestic or feral dogs and that killed by coyotes may be difficult since the mode of attack can be similar. Coyotes usually attack an animal at the throat; domestic dogs are relatively indiscriminate in how and where they attack. Sometimes, however, dogs kill the way coyotes do, and young and inexperienced coyotes may attack any part of the body of their prey as dogs would. The survival of feral dogs, much like that of other wild canids, depends on their ability to secure food. Therefore feral dogs are usually adept predators. Unlike most domestic dogs, feral dogs rely on their prey for food, and thus consume much of what they kill. Feral dogs favor the hindquarters and viscera (liver, spleen, heart, lungs).

When domestic dogs attack domestic animals, they may injure or kill several, but they seldom consume their victims. Rather, they leave the impression that they were involved in vicious play rather than an attempt to obtain food. The most diagnostic characteristic of injuries caused by dogs is usually the slashing and biting of prey animals over much of their bodies.

Feral dogs may become skilled at hunting in groups for small game such as rabbits and hares and large game including deer and even moose. Some wildlife managers feel that feral dogs are a serious threat to deer, especially in areas with heavy snows. Clearly, the impact of feral dogs, both on livestock and wildlife, varies by location and is influenced by factors such as availability of other food, the number of dogs, and competition by other predators. Feral dogs may feed on fruit crops including melons, berries, and grapes, and native fruits such as persimmons and blackberries. Damage to melons is similar to that caused by coyotes. The side of a ripe melon is usually bitten open and the insides eaten.

Feral dogs commonly kill house cats, and they may injure or kill domestic dogs. In areas where people have not hunted and trapped feral dogs, the dogs may not have developed fear of humans, and in those instances such dogs may attack people, especially children. This can be a serious problem in areas where feral dogs feed at and live around garbage dumps near human dwellings. Such situations occur most frequently around small remote towns.

For more information on Dog Damage and Control Methods click here.

Control Methods

Protect livestock and poultry from feral and domestic dogs with well-maintained net fences. Horizontal spacing of the mesh should be less than 6 inches; vertical spacing should be less than 4 inches . Barbed wire at ground level or a buried wire apron will discourage dogs from digging under the fence. The fence should be about 6 feet high to hinder animals from jumping over. The effectiveness of fences can be increased by adding one or more electrically charged wires along the bottom and top. Charged wires are positioned so that the intruding dog encounters them before digging under or climbing over the fence.

Electric fences consisting of up to 12 alternating ground and charged wires have been effective at deterring dogs. Other configurations have also been successful. Electric fences must be checked regularly to ensure that the wires are sufficiently charged. Maintenance of fences may be difficult in areas with drifting snow and where large wild animals are common. Moose and bears can be particularly destructive to electric fences. Fencing is one of the most beneficial investments in dealing with predator damage and livestock management if practicality warrants its use. 

Live traps are generally effective in capturing feral dog pups and occasionally adult dogs. Steel leg hold traps (No. 3 or 4) are convenient and effective for trapping wild dogs. Carrion and scent baits used to lure coyotes to traps may be effective in attracting feral dogs. Non-target species or pets inadvertently captured can be released. Caution should be exercised when approaching a dog in a trap, since feral dogs may be vicious when confined, and even pet dogs may bite under those circumstances.

Traps can be found here.

Methyl nonyl ketone, mostly in granular form or in liquid sprays, is widely used to prevent urination or defecation by dogs in yards and storage areas. Several other chemicals are registered for repelling dogs including capsaicin, napthalene, Ropel, and Thymol. These chemicals may be useful in keeping feral dogs from establishing scent stations or relieving themselves on selected sites, but they probably have little value in protecting livestock or poultry. Capsaicin (oleoresin of capsicum) may be effective in protecting humans from attack by dogs.

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