Why Do Stray Dogs Adopt People and Never Leave?

According to the ASPCA, between 5 million to 7 million animals enter U.S. shelters every year. Approximately 60 percent of stray dogs entering shelters are euthanized. The National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy reports that only about 20 percent of found dogs are returned to their owners. Dogs, being pack animals, need to be with other animals, be they canine or human.

  1. Pre-Owned

    • Dogs will stay with someone who will feed and care for them.

      The Pet Food Institute reports that about 75 million dogs are living in American households. When these dogs become lost due to carelessness on the part of the owners or a natural disaster, they tend to follow people around because they have historically been treated well by humans. Their experience teaches them that humans meet their needs. When the dog's needs are being met, there is no reason to leave.

    Intelligence

    • Stray dogs are in danger. If you find a stray dog, you should call your local animal control agency.

      Dogs are relatively intelligent animals. Researchers in the United Kingdom found that dogs are about as intelligent as an average 2-year-old human. So, if a human being shows a stray dog kindness, the dog will realize that the human is a source of food and comfort and will readily adopt and stay with such a human if the human will allow it.

    Bond

    • Companion dogs should have identification tags and microchips so they can be returned to their homes if lost.

      Human beings and domesticated animals. such as dogs, have an emotional bond. In a statement released by their Center for the Human-Animal Bond, Purdue University said, "The Human-Animal Bond is the dynamic relationship between people and animals in that each influences the psychological and physiological state of the other." In light of this, it is easy to see why a dog would never leave a human after a bond has been formed.