Street dogs on holiday - hardly anyone is prepared | Episode 13
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Time to read 10 min
Street dogs are an emotional topic for many dog people: pity, insecurity, anger or helplessness often mix when we encounter dogs on the loose on holiday. Particularly in southern Italy, Sicily or Calabria, they characterise the streetscape - often in groups, sometimes individually, always in a survival mode that seems unfamiliar to our "domestic world".
In this blog, we want to take an honest, canine and psychological look: What makes street dogs so special? Why do these populations develop? And what does it mean - for us as travellers with dogs, but also for the dogs themselves, if we want to help or adopt them?
We shed light not only on facts, but also on misconceptions. And we ask uncomfortable questions: What is the real benefit of aid projects? And where does love of animals begin and where does it end?
Street dogs in Italy: pack behaviour, social structure & encounters
Street dogs rarely live alone. They join together in groups - often loosely, flexibly, without close ties, as we know from the term "pack". Biologically speaking, a pack is a family structure consisting of parents and offspring. However, most street dogs are not related to each other. This is why cynologists tend to speak of social groups that come together pragmatically: Searching for food, protecting themselves against danger, sharing resting places.
These groups are dynamic: dogs come and go. Constant fierce competition would be energy-intensive and dangerous. Instead, hierarchies emerge that are often characterised by age, experience and presence - rather than body size or strength.
For us as dog people, it's exciting when we meet these groups with our own dogs. Because: street dogs have a completely different socialisation than our dogs. They are usually socially competent, but show clear distances. They don't want to be stroked, they don't want contact - except perhaps with bitches in heat. Many show territorially motivated barking to keep us out of their area.
Anyone who understands dog language will recognise that street dogs don't want conflict. Their warning signals are clear. It becomes particularly dangerous when we ignore them, approach them without thinking or let our own dogs run towards them uncontrollably.
Many dog people underestimate how important their own behaviour is in such encounters. Street dogs are not "aggressive", but they are highly sensitive. They have learnt to read in seconds: Is this a danger? A potential feeder? Someone who is causing stress?
Therefore:
Run in an arc, do not approach head-on.
In dog language, approaching each other directly is confrontational. If you walk in a wide arc, this signals: I'm not stressing. This is particularly important if your own dog reacts strongly to other dogs on the Leash.Do not mix it up: Only clap your hands or stand up if necessary.
Many street dogs avoid direct contact. If they approach, it is often curiosity, not an attack. Loud clapping, raising arms, "making yourself big" only works if you dose it: too much of it can escalate the situation because the dogs perceive it as a threat. Less is often more.Muzzle ready to hand if your dog is unsure or reactive.
Not because of the street dogs, but because of your dog. Reactive dogs are often overwhelmed when a group approaches. A muzzle can not only be legally sensible here (especially with listed dogs), but can also give you the security to remain more confident.
Street dogs are masters of non-verbal communication. In their world, no Collar, no call name, no "sit" counts. They observe the smallest signals: How do you tense your shoulders? Where are your feet pointing? Do you raise your eyebrows?
From a canine perspective, this is a crucial difference to domestic dogs: While many domestic dogs are flooded with human stimuli in everyday life and block them out, street dogs have to be constantly attentive. They have a "fine antenna" for changes in their environment - and that is precisely why they often react better to clear, calm body signals than to being frantically shooed away.
Psychologically important: Your dog also reads the situation. If you become hectic, this will be transmitted. Many dogs then react either overly anxiously or overly boldly - both of which can exacerbate the situation. Breathe consciously, take your dog behind you, stay calm, turn away slightly - and communicate to your dog: "Everything is under control."
"It's usually enough that you build yourself up a bit, clap your hands - then they'll run away."
Why do so many dogs end up on the street?
The street dog problem in southern Europe has complex, historical and social causes. It's not just about irresponsible individuals, but also about old husbandry models, a lack of neutering and a lack of political structures.
Traditional husbandry models
In many rural regions, dogs have always been seen as "working animals": Watchdogs, farm dogs, hunting dogs, guard dogs. These animals are often kept in isolation, on a chain, in kennels or in large fields. Social contact, activity or bonding with humans hardly play a role. When they become old, sick or unusable, they are abandoned.
Examples:
In Spain, many Galgos (greyhounds) and Podencos are disposed of after the hunting season.
In Greece and Bulgaria, you often see livestock guarding dogs that are left to fend for themselves as soon as they are no longer needed.
In Romania and Italy, guard dogs end up on the streets because nobody wants to look after them.
Lack of neutering: Why they are crucial for street dogs
In countries such as Italy, Spain or Romania, dogs are often not neutered - neither domestic dogs nor street dogs. Neutering is traditionally considered "unnatural" or "unnecessary", especially for farm, guard or hunting dogs. In Central Europe, on the other hand, it is usually decided on an individual basis whether neutering is medically or behaviourally advisable for domestic dogs.
But while intact domestic dogs live under human supervision, contact can be controlled and reproduction can be prevented, the reality for street dogs is completely different. Unneutered dogs on the street almost always mate, often from the age of six to eight months. Studies from southern Europe estimate that an average of 8-10 puppies are born per unspayed female dog per year. Depending on the region, the puppy mortality rate is between 30 and 70 per cent. This means that for every ten puppies born, often only three to five survive - which in turn soon reproduce again.
From a veterinary point of view, sex hormones such as oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone play an important role in development, metabolism and behaviour. Vets therefore rightly emphasise that neutering domestic dogs should not be a routine procedure, but a well-considered decision. In the case of street dogs, however, neutering is animal welfare.
Why neutering is important for street dogs:
Prevents uncontrolled reproduction and thus the expansion of the street dog population.
Reduces diseases, e.g. inflammation of the uterus, testicular cancer, breast tumours.
Reduces hormone-driven aggression, reduces stress and fights in groups.
Spares bitches, which often become pregnant two to three times a year without being spayed - physically an enormous depletion.
Hunting dogs, livestock guarding dogs and their offspring on the road
In southern Europe, many street dogs come from two main sources: Hunting dogs and guard dogs. These dogs are not "just any mongrels", but carry a genetic heritage that significantly shapes their behaviour.
Hunting dogs such as Galgos and Podencos (Spain) are often abandoned after the hunting season if they are injured, "no longer fast enough" or simply surplus to requirements. These dogs are highly sensitive, have a pronounced instinct to run and see and are often extremely shy towards people - especially after mistreatment.
Herd guard dogs such as Maremmano Abruzzese (Italy), Karakachan (Bulgaria) or Kangal mixes (Greece/Turkey) are characterised by their breeding for independent work. They often guard herds without direct human contact, make independent decisions and defend "their" territory uncompromisingly. If such dogs are abandoned or reproduce uncontrollably in fields, street dog groups are formed that can be potentially dangerous for humans and other dogs - not because they are "vicious", but because their genetic programme is designed for protection and defence.
Lack of political strategies: Why the problem persists
The street dog problem in Southern Europe - and also in parts of Eastern Europe - is not just an "animal welfare problem". It is a complex interplay of politics, society, animal husbandry traditions and a lack of resources.
Many countries lack comprehensive neutering programmes because:
there is no mandatory pet register,
authorities do not have the means to carry out owner checks,
vets are not paid by the state for castrations,
and the issue is hardly a political priority because it rarely decides elections.
The result:
Dogs are still bought "for the farm" or for hunting, not neutered and abandoned if they don't "work".
Street dogs are reproducing uncontrollably.
Animal shelters (where they exist) are overcrowded and often operate at a level that is more like warehousing than animal welfare.
Many local authorities resort to short-term, drastic measures such as killing campaigns in order to have "clean streets" before major events.
Lack of consistency in training
A key aspect of leash training is consistency. Dogs learn through clear rules and repeated practice. However, if you are not consistent and sometimes let them pull on the Leash and sometimes correct them, confusion will arise.
This lack of consistency means that your dog does not understand what behaviour is expected of him. In the long term, this reinforces the pulling behaviour because the dog never receives clear guidance.
High arousal level
A high level of excitement makes it difficult for your dog to walk calmly on the Leash. Especially dogs from working lines or with high energy levels, such as Border Collies or Labradors, react impulsively to their surroundings. The more stimuli - such as other dogs, people or noises - your dog is exposed to, the higher his excitement level will rise.
A lack of impulse control further reinforces this behaviour. Dogs that have not learnt to regulate their energy pull impulsively towards their target. Especially in moments like these, it becomes clear how important it is to work specifically on impulse control and help your dog to calm itself down.
Animal welfare abroad: Well-intentioned - but not always well done
Animal welfare abroad is a double-edged sword: it saves lives - but it does not solve the basic problem. Dogs from Romania, Spain (e.g. Galgos), Italy, Greece or Bulgaria are regularly rehomed in Central Europe. Behind them are often dedicated people with a big heart. But this is precisely where the challenge lies:
Many street dogs are highly specialised in their environment, they are survivalists, not sofa dogs.
They often have no social behaviour that is suited to city life in Germany, Austria or Switzerland: People, traffic, cramped flats, having to be kept on a lead, other dogs, strange odours - all of this can overwhelm them massively.
Many of these dogs suffer from chronic stress, anxiety disorders, aggression or depression after their arrival.
It is not uncommon for them to end up back at the animal shelter after a few months, now as "problem dogs" that are difficult to place .
This does not mean that protecting animals abroad is wrong per se. But it must be done responsibly and selectively. Only dogs that are physically and mentally suitable should be rehomed. Before placement, anassessment by experienced behavioural specialists is required. Because not every dog can be saved with love, patience and a warm basket.
"Many of these dogs are unhappy because they are suddenly stuck in a flat - they need freedom, not a person who is constantly stroking their heads."
Conclusion: What does responsible animal welfare abroad mean?
The protection of animals abroad is undeniably justified - but it must not be pursued blindly. It is not enough to "save just one life". The decisive factor is: who is being helped, and how sustainably?
Not every street dog is suitable for a life in a city flat, on a Leash, with strangers and dogs. Herd guard dogs, greyhounds (such as galgos) and hunting dogs in particular are genetically predisposed to certain tasks and habitats. Their behaviour is often deeply rooted biologically. Transplanting them to a completely different environment without taking these characteristics into account risks chronic stress, behavioural problems and an unhappy life - despite the best intentions.
Responsible animal welfare doesn't just mean bringing dogs to Central Europe. It also means helping on the ground:
Castration projects, vaccination programmes, feeding stations.
Co-operation with local authorities and veterinarians.
Support for educational campaigns to change the mentality in the long term.
Because one thing is clear: the misery on the streets will not end if we only save the strongest survivors. It ends when we change the structures.
About Vitomalia and the authors Lui & Paulina
The name Vitomalia came from the names of their two beloved dogs: Vito and Amalia. Vito, a sensitive and cheerful dog, accompanied Lui and Paulina through many formative years. After a long, serious illness, they had to let Vito go with a heavy heart on 14 February 2025.
From this loss came the desire to not only process the experience for herself, but also to give other dog owners courage, knowledge and comfort - thus the podcast was born, as a way of coping with grief and at the same time as a platform to talk about dog ownership as it really is: full of love, challenges and growth.
Lui originally comes from a sports background, Paulina from psychology. Their shared passion for dogs brought them together. A hobby turned into a vocation: Lui trained as a behavioural therapist for dogs, Paulina specialised in dog science. They worked together as dog trainers for many years until they realised how great the need was for sensible and safe dog equipment.
This idea gave rise to the Vitomalia online shop, which is her main focus today. But their passion for the close collaboration between humans and dogs remains unbroken. In their podcast, Lui and Paulina share their experiences, their cynological knowledge and want to convey an honest, realistic view of dog ownership - without filters, without clichés, but with heart and mind.
