[kstenerud]

> Better socialized and behaved than a good number of pet dogs I see in the USA.

Free-roaming dogs (in non-threatening environments) can socialize much more naturally than city dogs, who spend most of their time isolated indoors with few people and animals to interact with (stunting their social development).

[logicalmind]

Reminds me of my experience in Copper Canyon in Mexico. You can rent small cottages in one particular location and dogs roam the area. When tourists arrive, the a dog tends to stick to each particular group. The dog walks with you on hikes and sleeps on your porch while you're there. In exchange for snacks and water, but it doesn't beg.

The dogs are as loyal as I've ever seen while you're there. When you leave, they move onto the next group. The area is great, and the dog friend I made, just added to the experience.

[noduerme]

my ex is Tarahumara and had a similar experience. It's also true of the dogs of Buenos Aires. (in fairness though: I am not a fan of the lack of spaying/neutering that predominates in Latin and Mediterranean countries).