The tail, as in domestic dogs, indicated the mood of an individual. The dominant pair enforce their rank through ritual urination at the same place, while the rest of the pack members use faeces to communicate their location to other packs. African Wild dogs are crepuscular when hunting (usually hunting in the early morning and early evening).Due to their instinctive cooperative behaviour individuals are able to cut corners and keep up with directional changes made by their prey during the chase, thus increasing hunting success The fore paws are larger and broader than the hind paws.Īfrican wild dogs have cursorial locomotion (limbs adapted for running), hence targeting weaker prey species when hunting. There are four digits on each foot with short, powerful claws. The rounded ears are dark and usually have black fringes with obvious tufts of white hair growing from the lower inner edges in front. The muzzle is short and broad with a black or dark brown colouration and short hairs. The forehead and the area between the ears are mostly whitish or yellowish, with a distinct dark stipe beginning between the eyes and spreading across the top of the head. They can weigh up to 27 kgs with the male being much heavier than females. Like a humans fingerprint, across their distribution range each individual has a unique pattern. Characteristic features include: large rounded ears, long legs, a bushy, broadly white tipped tail and a hairy coat with blotches of black, yellow and white. The African wild dog is distinctive amongst other medium-sized carnivores. This is due to the misunderstanding of their hunting techniques which led them to be considered wild animals that are believed to be harmful to crops, farm animals, or game, or which carry disease.

The African Wild dog is one of Africa’s most endangered carnivores. The name picta refers to painted in Latin and describes the varicoloured coat, which is blotched with patches of white, black and yellow. Originally this species was described from a specimen located in Mozambique, which was under the name Hyaena picta, by Temminck in 1820. Hunting dog is acceptable and describes the unique ecological role they play while painted describes the unique patterned makings of each individual. The Latin name Lycaon pictus translates to “painted wolf-like animal” and therefore have been referred to as painted wolves and painted hunting dogs. Often referred to as the Cape Hunting dog where Cape is insignificant as they have a wide distribution range in Africa South of the Sahara.

It is now a delight to take him to the park and let him off leash, knowing he will come back when we call and no more running after him in a chaotic rush when visitors enter the house” “One of the best parts was just how much fun he had at the farm with his new mates.Official Common name: African Wild Dog, Cape Hunting Dog, Painted Hunting Dog Mario & Courtney “What a transformation! We are so happy with Jack’s newly learned skills. Ayesha is quite possibly Leo’s favorite person on Earth, and we’re always happy to leave him in her competent and loving hands while we’re away. Luella (age 12) “When we go out of town, we know that our greyhound Leo is having a vacation of his own at WDK. I also feel a lot better taking him on walks knowing that I am in control. Russ Rotondi “I am so much more confident giving our dog his commands now that he has been properly trained. She documented the entire process and provided us with notes, photos and videos along the way” She worked tirelessly with our dog on recall, place, leash-walking and earning rewards. Ayesha is an excellent communicator (with both dog and families) and an absolute joy to work with. Thank you Ayesha, Angie and supporting dog family/WDK staff!” Additionally, we can allow him around other people without fearing they will be pushed down by his energetic leaps! Our 3 cats are far more comfortable niow that he is less frantic around them. He has gone from almost completely unmanageable to a dog whose safety doesn’t cause constant concern.

“The 3 weeks of training Ayesha gave our Goldador has proved game-changing for our daily lives. If you are a city dweller, and have a family dog, I highly recommend Ayesha and her team at WDK. We now send him on overnights and brushup training regularly. The simple tools coupled with Ayesha’s in-home basic manners training has made our lives so much easier and less stressful. Hugo (age 9) “Once our dog returned from his 2 week Board and Train with WDK, he was absolutely a better behaved and easier to command dog. “Gus came home and his behavior was wonderful! He did not do all the naughty things he used to and he was the still our own silly Gus! ”

Woodland wild dogs militia