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Robyn and I took Mahlee as a 9 weeks old pup in 2003. Having been animal-orientated persons for a long time, we felt well prepared for any difficulties we would face with a caring for a dingo. As it turned out, we were not completely prepared.
An initial task was to build an escape proof enclosure to meet government permit requirements. We decided to build it against the back wall of the house. This meant that only three enclosure walls needed to be built and Mahlee could be near the activity in and around the house when we were home. |
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This turned out to be a good decision. Dingoes need to be close to their carers. This is important , you cannot be complacent about your security measures for keeping dingoes from escaping. They are determined wanderers by nature.
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At an early stage, we took Mahlee to elementary obedience training. The difference in general behaviour and aptitude for obedience between Mahlee and the domestic dogs was immediately apparent. Whereas the domestic dogs seemed automatically attentive to their owner's voice and body gestures, Mahlee was not. She was much more interested in her wider environment – watching butterflies or birds. At this early stage, human voice was just another background noise, of no particular significance.
However, after two years of close contact with us in the home, she is now selectively responsive to our voice commands. This is not because Dingoes are stupid. Far from it; they are much more independent than domestic dogs. Although Mahlee is tame, she is still genetically undomesticated, which means that she has matured to a greater degree than our domestic dogs. This greater maturity expresses itself in greater wilfulness and independence.
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It pays not to be too houseproud if you wish to have a dingo in the home. Dingoes are easily bored and create ´projects´ to amuse themselves. We have had to put a baby lock on the refrigerator door to keep Mahlee from helping herself to its contents. Objects being pulled off shelves and out of cupboards is a daily occurrence. |
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Dingoes also like climbing
on top of furniture |
We have two domestic dogs: a de-sexed kelpie-cross male and a spayed female collie cross. Mahlee generally gets on well with the collie and they often play together.
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As Mahlee has matured, however, she has become increasingly assertive and is now the dominant female. When in season, Mahlee is particularly aggressive to Sally. Although they often play together when we are home, the play is increasingly competitive. We would not leave them together unsupervised for an extended period. However, she adores the old male kelpie cross, Diesel.
Although we have taken Mahlee out in public since a pup, she has become more fearful over time. This was particularly noticeable from around 10 months of age onward. This is common amongst dingoes, a change that may be linked to differences in the brain chemistry of dingoes compared with domestic dogs
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Despite this, however, Mahlee loves travelling in the car, sitting on the back window ledge, viewing the passing traffic. She appears to consider the car a safe place which protects her from the unfamiliar events outside. However, I once made the mistake of allowing a stranger in the car with Mahlee and myself. The journey could not be continued as Mahlee persisted in climbing over me for security as I was driving on the freeway.
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A difficult aspect of keeping a dingo is that they must be kept on a lead when out. When at the beach and our two domestic dogs run free, we use a 7 meter lead to give her some freedom. |
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Mahlee is a great delight in our lives and we feel privileged to have her. Nevertheless, dingoes really are for enthusiasts only, -- people willing to put up with the continued inconvenience of a special animal. |
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