 Adoption
Requirements
 Wolves and Wolfdogs bond very strongly with
their families. When their lives are disrupted, it may take a long time and lots of love and patience to form
new bonds and rebuild their trust in humans. Please be aware that your new animal will probably need lots of
extra time, strenuous exercise, behavior training, boundaries and limitations, and patience from you and
everyone in your household. By adopting from Lake Tahoe Wolf Rescue, you are agreeing that you are willing to
provide this.
Some or all of these requirements are needed, depending on the animal you
adopt.
- Stability - Wolfdogs are high maintenance due to their
special needs. We prefer persons who have stability in their jobs and in their place of residence. It is
preferred that you own your own home, and are over 30 years of age. We have found that persons who rent, or are
under 30 years of age are more likely to be transient, moving fairly often or changing jobs. Ideally we look
for persons who work at home or have a spouse who is home to give the animal the special care and attention
that it needs. These are not animals that should be left at home all day while you go to work. They need
daily exercise, and lots of interaction. They can often become destructive if left home alone for long periods
of time.
- Walks and Hiking - Walks need to be
given often and daily. Depending on the age and physical health of the wolfdog, two walks - a
minimum of 45 minutes each - twice daily are recommended. The longer the better, and strenuous hikes are even
better for the young, strong wolfdogs. These animals have a lot of energy and need to get exercise or they will
start having behavior problems. A tired dog is a well behaved dog! Older dogs don't need as much,
but are more relaxed and happy if they can get out for a few short walks a day. Remember not to overwork
your young pup. Pups under one year old are still growing, and too much exertion at one time can cause injury.
Senior dogs should not be overworked either as this can cause inflammation which leads to arthritis. More
frequent and less strenuous walks are more beneficial in these cases.
- Children - Some are exceptional with children and
others are not, and we are always reluctant to place them in homes with small children and infants. Even some
calm wolfdogs do not do good around children, since children have a tenancy to want to climb on them and give
them too much of the wrong [excited] type of attention. Many dogs do not like to have someone's face in their
face and may react with a warning nip or snap. This is not considered aggressive behavior - remember, dogs talk
with their teeth! And they are trying to say "back off!" Each animal is carefully evaluated and
placed only in a home suited to its behavior.
- Small Dogs & Cats - The same holds true. Some
wolfdogs are good around small dogs and cats - others are not. Most are very predatorial and chase small
things that squeal!
- Diet - Wolfdogs require a highly-nutritious diet of
mostly raw meat, some veggies, and quality kibble [dry food]. Many High-Content Wolfdogs and pure Wolves will
not eat or tolerate kibble at all. My Turkey
Recipe and Dog Foods links
both contain lots of good information about their special dietary needs.
- Behavior - Some of our adoptable
wolfdogs are well-behaved and trained, and others are not. Wolfdogs that have been abandoned, or abused may be
very fearful or anxious, or have eating disorders. It does not mean they will always be this way, and many
blossom into wonderful companions when placed with patient owners. We evaluate each animal to insure that the
placement is suited to the adoptors' experience level. We need to be certain that wolfdogs with behavior
issues, eating disorders, or other issues will be corrected by placing them with experienced
adopters.
- Fencing - Note: All enclosures must provide sufficient
shade, access to water at all times, and protection from the elements. A large dog house is recommended to
protect from the elements.
1. WOLF ESCAPE-PROOF ENCLOSURE means 9-gauge cyclone fencing 7-8' H, with overhang to prevent climbing
and jumping, and dig guard to prevent tunneling out. With very high contents and pure Wolves, a double-gated
entry is recommended. If other enclosures are adjacent, double fencing is needed to prevent "fence
fighting."
2. ESCAPE-PROOF ENCLOSURE means 6' fencing, with overhang [or hot wire] and dig guard. This is fine for the
escape artist that is too heavy or too old to jump or climb a 7-8' fence, but still tries!
3. SECURE ENCLOSURE means 6' fencing with no outlets for escaping [i.e. holes in fence, loose boards, too
much space between bottom of fence and ground]. This is sufficient for dogs that are not typically escape
risks, such as older dogs or most Domestic breeds used to this type of containment. Dig guards are recommended
if the animal is a digger.
To get more detailed information on fencing http://www.inetdesign.com/wolfdunn/containment/
http://www.sjblues.com/fr_containment.cfm
Remember folks! Wolfdogs are not your average canines!
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