Buck learns a crucial survival lesson for cold winter nights by observing Billee, another dog. Initially, Buck struggles to endure the cold by sleeping on the snow's surface, but he soon discovers that burrowing into the snow and curling up into a ball provides insulation from the harsh winds. This technique allows Buck to conserve body heat and survive the freezing conditions of the Canadian wilderness.

Dogs and wolves share similarities such as pack behavior and social structures, but they differ in domestication and interactions with humans. In The Call of the Wild, Buck and Spitz exhibit these differences: Buck adapts to domestication and forms bonds with humans, while Spitz remains more wild and aggressive, embodying the untamed nature of wolves.

In The Call of the Wild, Mercedes' well-intentioned actions, such as overloading the sled and overfeeding the dogs, lead to their exhaustion and eventual death. Her lack of understanding of the harsh wilderness conditions results in dire consequences for the dogs, highlighting the dangers of misguided compassion in a survivalist environment.

In The Call of the Wild, Buck's success in the wild is attributed to his physical strength, adaptability, intelligence, and strong instincts. Though initially from a pampered background, Buck quickly adapts to the harsh northern environment by learning to assert himself, survive, and lead. His keen senses, inherited instincts, and quick learning from experiences help him thrive. Ultimately, Buck's traits ensure his survival and legendary status as a dominant force in the Klondike.