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Wolfdogs, as I have probably stated way too many times to count,
*smile* are sensitive, problem-solving, intelligent primitive canines
with very special needs. They are also easily bored. So before you go out and buy a puppy, there are
some questions you need to ask yourself.
You need to be honest when answering these questions. There are no
"wrong answers", but by not being honest with yourself, or not facing
your expectations realistically, you are setting yourself, and the
animals, up for a miserable time of it. The wolfdog learning curve can be
unforgiving. Within
this next series of semi-humorous and entirely serious questions, I am
including links to other pages which will either expand on the
question's topic and requirements, or offer more information on what's
needed to be a good wolfdog Parent. I'll cross-reference alot throughout
the page, so there will be repeats.
 Do you have any problem with your canine taking it upon herself to
re-landscape your front lawn without your permission?
Do you have a problem with the idea of Canine Excavators?
How about foxholes big enough to hide a small tank?
Wolfdogs make great demolition crews. (see this page
for some revealing pictures of unsupervised wolfdogs at "play")
What about home redecorating? Re-upholstering? Re-carpeting? Re-wiring the electrical appliances?
Do you live in a Better Homes & Garden model home? Do you pride yourself
in your furnishings? Do you have antiques or any chewable valuables on
display within paw's reach?
Do own your own home, or do you rent?
If you rent, does your Landlord approve of your getting a wolfdog?
Will your Landlord allow you to build a proper containment?
Do you understand
that you are setting yourself up to be Teacher & Guide & Confidant to
what is essentially an ADHD child with four paws and alot of hair?
AND that this child will be locked into a developmental stage generally called the "Terrible Twos" for most of their life?
AND when they grow out of the "Terrible Twos" and mature, they
"mature" into essentially intelligent yet feisty teenagers?
Are you aware of their penchant for destructiveness? They have an
intense curiosity of what makes things tick.
Have I
mentioned how terrific they are at opening things? Much like a little
boy who just HAS to know how his toy works, but doesn't know how to put
it back together again.
Do you know that once per year (or more) you will wind
up with blown fur the approximate mass of another animal? You may not
know whether to vacuum your floor, or brush it. (Save it for us! More
info HERE)
Are you ready for the Howleluja Choir?
Wolfdogs sing. Their howls and vocalizations are an advanced form of
communication which can be heard up to seven miles away. It has nothing
to do with the moon's phase, although clear bright nights seem to
encourage a song or three. Most neighbors are not keen on singing in the
o'dark hundred stages of the morning, so you will have to plan on ways
of discouraging night-time sing-alongs.
Are you aware that
wolfdogs can have semi-prehensile toes, and can grasp and open drawers,
doors, windows, cabinets or most any other openable object?
Do you &
your Family enjoy vacations? You may have to re-define your idea of
"vacationing" in your life after wolfdogs.
What about
containment? Do you have the willingness and wherewithall to construct
an escape-proof containment for those times that you cannot be with your
wolfdog, or those times when your wolfdog wants to run untethered?
Wolfdogs should absolutely not, under any circumstances, run loose. Any
dogs running at large is a foolish and irresponsible idea, but with
wolfdogs, it is imperative, for their own safety, that they do not run
at large. It
costs approx. (low end) $1,500.oo to construct a 100' X 50' eight foot
tall containment using heavy gauge fencing, with dig guards, &
double-entry gates. It takes approx. 100' for a high content wolfdog to achieve a full
run.
Remember, chaining and tethering are not acceptable forms of permanent
containment. Chaining and tethering constrict an animal's personal
safety zone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, a
chained dog is 2.8 times more likely to bite than an unchained dog.
What are your expectations for a canine? What do you expect from them?
How do you expect them to behave?
Do you expect immediate and complete obedience?
Are you looking for a
Guard dog? Wolfdogs, being shy & sensitive creatures, make lousy guard
dogs.
Do you have other small pets? Unless carefully supervised and
raised as pups with other small animals, wolfdogs often are not good
with small animals. They often have an advanced prey drive.
Do you have, or expect to
have small children?
What about "face time"? Does your job require you to be away from home at all?
For how long during the day? Where will your wolfdog be?
How much time can you spend with your wolfdog per day?
Most wolfdogs do not fare well as "only children". Are you prepared to
have a similar-sized canine as a companion for your wolfdog?
Do you expect your wolfdog to drive around with you?
How about your Vet? What does your Vet feel about about wolfdogs?
Have you had "The "W" Word" conversation with them?
Are they knowledgeable about wolfdog health issues?
How about diet? How prepared are you to learn to read labels?
Do you know the difference between "meat", "meat byproducts" & "meat
meal"?
Are you familiar with the term "grain intolerant"?
There are kibbles which do not include grains in them, such as Innova
Evo, and they cost approx. $2.oo per pound.
Are you willing to accept that your wolfdog might fare better on a raw
diet? It takes about $1.oo per day per animal to feed human-grade raw
chicken.
Are you ready for Poop Patrol?
Are you familiar with the state & local laws in your area?
There
are alot of cities, municipalities, & states where wolfdogs of ANY
content are illegal to own without special licenses and permits, which
involve money and aLOT of paperwork.
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There really isn't
any behavior that is specific only to wolfdogs, we have to remember that
part of the genetic material which makes wolfdogs special is the DOG.
There are many breeds which share behavior traits which have been laid
at the feet of wolves & wolfdogs. To my knowledge, there is no one
behavior that is wolf specific, which can be used as an irrefutable
identifier of recent wolf inheritance. The major difference between wolf
& dog is intensity. The behavior in dogs is "watered down" in comparison
to wolf behavior, as a result of the neonatalization (the retention of
child-like physical traits and behavior) of dogs. We've bred dogs for so
many years, in such specific ways, that only a handful of dogs retain
their primitive behaviors. As a result of this over-breeding, I believe
we've watered down most dog breed's innate intelligence as well. This
high level of intelligence is one of the major reasons why wolfdogs get
into so much trouble, intelligence breeds curiosity. Wolfdogs want to
see, taste, smell, and manipulate everything which touches their world.
It's up to us to provide them with a stimulating yet safe environment
where they can't get into trouble. Or can only get into limited,
monitored trouble. *smile* One of the Laws I Live By is :
A Bored
Wolfdog Is a Naughty Wolfdog. |
