Dogs of the Himalayas

This photo is of a typical Himalayan village dog - the majority of which are strays or community dogs, not "owned" by anyone in particular. They are all chilled and relaxed. In the 12 days and over 130 km on a trek in Nepal, I didn't see a single one of these dogs act with fear and aggression towards other dogs or humans. Yet, walking dogs in Hamilton, frenzied fence barkers, and dogs that want to rush my pack are common.

How can it be that in our modern Western society, our dogs are struggling with these issues while the village strays are doing so much better?

Here are a few thoughts on this...

1) Genetics: In the Himalayas, dogs' survival hinges on human generosity. Whether they're community dogs with nightly shelters or genuine strays, food offerings from humans are essential. The ability to tolerate human presence directly impacts their access to nutrition. Conversely, in the Western world, dogs usually have single owners who provide their meals, reducing the motivation for needing to be onside with strangers.

2) Socialization: Himalayan village dogs are immersed in constant exposure to people and dogs. Hundreds of people walk by them on the treks daily. While not always eager for interaction, this exposure breeds familiarity and neutrality towards people. Also, the dogs associate with other dogs daily. Conversely, in the Western world, dogs may not experience the same level of daily interaction, leading to varied responses to strangers and other dogs.

3) Freedom of Movement: Himalayan dogs enjoy the freedom to roam, and can navigate away from perceived threats at will. This autonomy allows them to establish comfortable boundaries and avoid confrontations. In contrast, Western society often mandates leashes and fences for safety reasons, potentially limiting dogs' ability to express natural behaviours and establish their own boundaries.

What do you think? Are there aspects of our modern lives that are making things more difficult for our dogs, compared to less-developed societies?