Are Stray Dogs Happier Than Pet Dogs?

This is a good question and perhaps no one can really answer it other than a dog! It is a quandary which is a part of the cartoon movie 'The Lady and the Tramp,' in which a stray and pet dog meet.

Dogs are so often attached to people that it would seem that they are indeed happier being a part of people's lives. However, perhaps this impression has more to do with what humans' needs than dogs needs. After all, dogs give a lot to people. They can make them feel loved and needed.

Dogs, especially some breeds like Golden and Labrador Retrievers, do seem to truly happier when their owner walks into the room. A dog's excitement at playing a game of fetch or at being petted is unmistakable. As well, owners can provide dogs with a healthy diet and shelter. Still, because dogs have long lived in the wild, the question remains of whether they are happier as pets or strays.

Add Comment

Report

I think .... that they need love and affection also. I also feel they get lonely and need to feel wanted and loved like people do.. I cant imagine that they could be happier alone, hungry, and unloved.

Add Comment

Report

Dogs are one of the species first domesticated by man. It has been eons since dogs lived without some interaction with man. Very few dogs live in the wild. Dogs are pack animals and prefer to be with a group. In a typical home with children and pets the dog is part of that pack and is very happy. The few stray dogs I have encountered were straggly and emaciated. They did not look happy.

Add Comment

Report