Lake Tahoe Wolf Rescue - What is a Wolfdog Part 3

Lake Tahoe Wolf Rescue

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HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS: A tired dog is a well behaved dog! So just “walking” often will not even take the edge off his energy level. Exercise, exercise, exercise! Note: Some very high-content wolfdogs may never be able to walk on leash with you due to shyness and severe anxiety at being leashed. For this reason, you must afford your wolfdog plenty of exercise and activity within his enclosure - daily! Also, most mid- and high-content wolfdogs may never be able to accompany you on off-leash hikes, but may do well on leash and enjoy long hikes and runs. Fortunately, some low-contents do behave well off leash, but only after consistent, calm, assertive training to ensure recall. With the right knowledge and canine psychology, you can often accomplish a decent recall in your new canine in a short time, but remember to keep a watchful eye out for those “prey” distractions that can lead to injury. Remember, wolfdogs can be very focused and may not respond to recall if something else has their attention. It is for this reason it is not advised to run them off leash in an excited environment such as a dog park or busy neighborhood.

Tug o’ War and rough play is not recommended with this breed. It can often trigger excitement aggression and dominant behaviors. It is always best to let them run, jump and socialize with other canines their size. Play fighting should always be carefully monitored, and never allowed in the house or in close quarters where one of the dogs might feel "cornered." I usually dissuade play fighting and encourage running, hiking, and fun-filled walks to calm and manage their energy levels.

Young wolfdogs can make a wonderful companion for the right person that has an energetic, outdoor lifestyle, but don’t forget those wonderful, older woofers that are happy to go for walks and just be with you. They are often easier and better to start off with if you have never had the pleasure of owning a wolfdog. Educate yourself on the ways of wolves and wolfdogs before you decide to adopt one. Working with a Wolfdog Rescue Group is beneficial as most will help to make a good match for you and your family. Decide if you have the patience and time to teach a new wolfdog to trust and bond with you. The more time you spend with them, the quicker they will adjust to their new home. Leaving them alone for many hours in a back yard will only make the transition take longer, and it will be more difficult for you to attain the results you wish to have. Be sure that all members of your family, and anyone who will be caring for your wolfdog, have been trained in how to handle this breed. Big hugs, leaning over the dog, or putting a face in the dog’s face can often result in unwanted aggression. These postures are dominant body language and challenge the dog to react [fight or flight]. Children must be supervised at all times and taught to be calm and assertive, and to always pet under the chin and on chest. Remember, dogs "talk" with their teeth, and a warning nip can lead to euthanization if one doesn't understand their language. Too many times the situation could have been avoided with adult monitoring, proper guidance, rules and boundaries!

Develop a routine so the new wolfdog can establish a comfort level with all the new changes. Feeding times [twice a day for medium and large adult dogs] and walks should be at the same time every day for the first few months. Routine helps dispel anxiety in the beginning as things become more familiar to him. Later [months later] after the wolfdog is adjusted to your lifestyle, start changing your routine gradually. This helps the dog to become more flexible, preventing upset if your routine changes unexpectedly.

When naming a new rescue, we have a rule of thumb…. If the dog has had a negative association with his name or background, we change his name … i.e. if he has been abused or neglected, often the person yelled at him using his name. If the dog has had a loving family and was happy in his previous home, and he associates his name with positive energy, we let him keep his name. It is who he is, and it may be the only familiar, comforting thing he gets to keep.

Wolfdogs are affectionate, intelligent, and communicative. They are calm yet can be very energetic. They need more of your time and energy than the average domestic canine, but when we give them what they need, they return the love tenfold, settling in nicely to become a member of your family. It sounds like a lot, and may not be for everyone, but the right person can give a wolfdog a wonderful forever home, enjoying lots of hugs and kisses for a lifetime! These people give a commitment to daily exercise, good food, and a structured lifestyle with gentle but firm discipline. It definitely takes more work and dedication than owning a Labrador!

Boarding - Being able to take a vacation or travel may not always be possible when you own a wolfdog. They often don't do well with change, and putting them in a kennel or boarding situation often creates more anxiety and fear. It might set them back from all the good progress you've already done, and it often compromises their immune system, making them more susceptible to disease. It also means you will be expected to give them a cocktail of vaccinations that may also lower their immune system. If it's absolutely necessary to put them in a boarding kennel, be sure the kennel affords daily exercise for at least one hour, two or three times a day in a large exercise yard. Make sure they have escape-proof fencing. Having other canine companionship is important, especially if your wolfdog is social with other dogs. Personally, I hire someone to come and dogsit my wolfdogs in their own home environment.

Adopting a rescued animal should always be a priority before buying one from a breeder. You will not only be giving the wolfdog a chance at a new life, but you will help stop the market of breeding which over populates our shelters with unwanted pets. Many people are told that if you buy a wolfdog puppy, bottle feed it, socialize it - it will be just like a regular domestic dog. Then months later, the new owner finds that he has a special-needs animal in his hands, does not have the lifestyle, patience or time to spend with the animal, and the wolfdog winds up at the shelter or being passed onto someone else [who also may have inadequate skills]. Often they are just left in the backyard, or tied to a tree. Remember, always give a lot of thought to bringing any new pet into your home, but especially a special-needs animal.

Contact your local Wolfdog Rescue organization. Sometimes it’s possible to volunteer and learn firsthand how rewarding working with a wolfdog can be, and you can gain the experience you will need if you are considering bringing a wolfdog home. Consider that it will be for the life of the animal [which could be a commitment of 14 or more years] and that some sacrifices may have to be made as your life changes. Keep in mind job changes, moving, marriage, divorce, children, health, travel, and many other situations that might arise and make it difficult for you to keep your pets. Hopefully you can make the commitment to give your animals a healthy, happy and safe Forever Home.