What event begins Buck's transformation into a wild animal?

Buck's transformation into a wild animal begins with his kidnapping and sale into the dog-sledding trade. This event is pivotal because it marks the abrupt end of Buck’s comfortable life on the California estate and thrusts him into an environment where he must quickly learn to adapt for survival. The brutality of the harsh conditions and the competitive, often violent nature of the sled dog teams forces Buck to tap into his primal instincts and begins his journey back to a more savage state.

Through this experience, Buck encounters the brutal realities of life in the wilderness, which contrasts sharply with his previous experiences of domestication. The necessity to fight for his place in the pack and to respond to instinctual cues sets in motion his gradual transformation from a pampered pet to a creature capable of surviving in the wild. This theme of evolution in the face of adversity is central to the story, highlighting the inherent survival instincts that exist within Buck as he navigates this new and challenging reality.