Jennifer McCarthy - World Class Dog Training: Wolf Articles - Before You Decide To Become A Wolf Or Wolf-Dog Owner

The following questionnaire should be answered by all individuals who wish to purchase a wolf or wolf-dog cross as a companion. It is suggested that all would-be wolf or wolf-dog hybrid owners read the enclosed questionnaire carefully and answer all items accurately and honestly. Due to the increase in pet attacks on children, the growing number of wolf-dogs being "dumped" (either in the wild, on other individuals or euthanized), and the influx of indiscriminate puppy millers who sell wolf-dogs that are prone to genetic disease, of questionable origin, and are incredibly unpredictable, we believe this questionnaire a necessary by all individuals before they purchase a hybrid or wolf.

QUESTIONNAIRE

Use a separate sheet to answer the questions listed below. Do not be intimidated by the questions; they are intended to inform you of what really goes into the ownership of these magnificent animals.

Why do you want a wolf-dog hybrid?
What experiences have you had with wolves and hybrids?
(Please try your best at answering the following questions. If you find that you do not know the answer, attempt to discover the answer by conducting your own research, either through other wolf and hybrid periodicals or by contacting experienced handlers of wolves and hybrids.)
1. If a fully grown (mature) wolf of hybrid desires the alpha or lead position in your pack, what would you do? How would the wolf or hybrid show its challenge toward you or its packmate (body language)?
2. What type of body position tells you that a wolf or hybrid is initiating play?
3. When a wolf or hybrid has its tail raised above its body and its ears pressed forward, what type of behavior is being displayed?
4. When a wolf or hybrid has its tail between its legs and ears flattened, what type of behavior is being displayed?
5. What type of diet and vaccination program does a wolf or hybrid require?
6. If a wolf or hybrid began to "mouth" you with their lips curled up, teeth bared and ears flattened, what would you do?
7. When a wolf or hybrid approaches you and squats low to the ground and urinates, what is this behavior indicative of?
Do you have small children? What ages? Are you aware of the fact that wolves, hybrids, or even domestic dogs should not be allowed around small children, unless extremely close supervision is provided? Wolves love small children. They love them so much that, in their excitement, they will jump upon them and carry them around the house by their head or arm. Without intending to, the wolf can severely injure a child while playing with them. When the parent or adult then tries to help the crying child, the wolf may think that their toy or puppy is being taken away and hold on even tighter… this can easily lead to a tragedy. If you have children, do not let them near your wolf or hybrid. If you believe "my sweet wolf or hybrid wouldn't hurt my child", then you should not have a wolf or hybrid as a companion. Obtain a nice, docile, soft-mouthed canine, such as a golden retriever.
Is the entire family agreeable on the purchase of a wolf or hybrid?
What kind of safe and humane containment can you provide? When allowed to run loose, these animals can and will kill dogs, cats and livestock. They are more powerful and cunning than domestic dogs, which are no match for them. Remember, what they kill or damage is your responsibility. And since a proven rabies vaccine is not currently available for hybrids or pure wolves, if your animal bites a human or someone's livestock, your animal will be destroyed and its brain analyzed for rabies, whether or not you've given it domestic dog rabies shots.
If you do not have a pen currently, what expenses are you willing to incur in building an adequate environment for your wolf or hybrid? A wolf or high percentage hybrid can jump at least 8 feet from a standstill, and are excellent climbers and diggers. In addition, a wild wolf's territory is usually at least 500 sq. acres. Do you have enough room for a wolf or hybrid? Without room to run, play and exercise, a wolf or hybrid will either become super-territorial and aggressive or very despondent and sickly.
What literature have you studied regarding wolf or hybrid ownership?
Do you live in a heavy residential area? Neighbors will definitely complain about the howling episodes, stimulated often by sirens, smoke alarms, barking dogs, passing wildlife, separation anxiety, ect. Noisy cars, nosey kids, lots of strangers and loud noises will make any wolf or hybrid extremely timid and prone to fear-bite.
Please describe your neighborhood (nearness of other homes, what other domestic animals reside nearby, average climactic conditions, etc.).
When you purchase a wolf or hybrid, you must be prepared to keep the animal for its lifetime (12-16 years) and provide a non-stressful environment. This applies even if you are to relocate; the animal goes with you! Most wolves and hybrids will not adjust readily to transfers of ownership. After a wolf or hybrid reaches 4-6 months old, they will not bond with or accept new members into their pack. Most animals that have been given to refuges and well-meaning people when the wolf or hybrid could no longer stay at home die. The absence of their pack (you and your family) is traumatic and can lead to serious illness and repeated escapes and running away. The wolf or hybrid will not accept their new owners or other canine companions. A wolf or hybrid that is given to almost all shelters and humane societies will be immediately destroyed. Are you prepared to make that type of commitment?
Is your veterinarian qualified to administer health care to exotic species? Is he/she aware that wolves and hybrids are to be treated differently, both in handling and in medicinal/sedative applications? Most veterinarians have no training in wolf or hybrid handling and care. In fact, many veterinarians will refuse to treat a wolf or hybrid.
Have you discussed wolf or hybrid ownership with your local shelters, wolf refuges, other owners? These people and places are a great source of information on the responsibilities and difficulties of caring for wolves and hybrids.
What are your state, county and local regulations concerning wolves and hybrids? Please make yourself aware of the facts concerning the ownership of such animals legally by contacting your state's Fish and Game Department, and then your local Animal Regulation Department. It is illegal to own a pure wolf in the United States… they are classified as an endangered and regulated species! While it is legal to own a 98% hybrid federally, many states, counties and cities are outlawing all wolves and hybrids. Any wolf or hybrid found within these areas is immediately killed.
What type of background do you have in working with and training canids? Wolves and hybrids are notoriously difficult to train. They are incredibly independent animals that are well adapted to life in the wild. Wolves will not respond to normal training methods and hybrids are extremely unpredictable. Most hybrids, regardless of percentage, will lick you hand half of the time and snap at it the other half. Wolf-dogs are very confused animals… they don't know if they are a wolf or a dog.
Have you ever owned a dog before? If so, what breed and for how long? Why do you no longer have this animal? Why do you think this experience would prepare you for owning a wild animal?
Are you looking for a guard animal? Are you aware that wolves are very shy by nature, having never attacked a human being in the wild? They will not protect your home or your family. They will more likely cower at the sight of strangers and run from unusual disturbances.
Are you looking for a house-pet? Wolves and hybrids do not make house-pets. They are difficult if not impossible to house break, will happily damage your carpet, furniture, drapery, etc. And disciplining them for such actions is out of the question; to reprimand a wolf or high percentage hybrid as you might a domestic dog will result in your animal losing its bond with you, and potentially challenge you for leadership of the pack.
Do you have a full time career with long hours and many out-of-town trips? Such a person who is "married" to their career is not a candidate to own a wolf or hybrid; these animals need lots of supervision and attention. Wolves in a pack never stray from each other for more than a couple of hours. This leads to extreme separation anxiety, and eventually to severe hyperactivity when you return. However, once the wolf or hybrid has said hello, they will growl and potentially snap at you if you insist on long sessions of petting… wolves and hybrids are not lap dogs.

The above is intended as an educational tool for potential wolf and hybrid owners. Most people are accustomed to domestic dogs… animals which are obedient to human commands and are, therefore, trainable. Since a wolf resembles a dog in appearance, the misconception thrives that "if it looks like a dog, it must act like one", hence the above questionnaire.

We have listed many negative aspects of owning such animals. You might ask, why do so many people have wolves and hybrids, if they are as awful as this questionnaire has made them out to be? The answer is simple. Most people have one of two views on wolves… either they are dangerous killers, and thus give their owner bragging rights for taming the salvage beast… or they are the big, furry, lovable cousin to our domestic dogs that stand for all that is wild, good and pure in nature. Either way, the wolf or hybrid is misunderstood. It is not the killer or the fuzzy friend. It is, in the end, an animal that never should have been born in a cage to begin with.

Today, there are over 250,000 wolves and wolf dog hybrids living as pets in the US. Over 75% of these animals will die before their first birthday due to abuse, neglect and misunderstanding. Those that do survive end up living at refuges and sanctuaries set up just to care for these cast-off pets. All refuges are facing a population crisis because of the increasing popularity of wolves. More people are buying and abandoning wolves and wolf-dog hybrids each year than there are enclosures to take them in. Many pet wolves and hybrids are "set free" by owners that cannot bear to put them down, nearly all dying a slow and painful death of starvation or being shot on site by a fearful person.

If you want to own a wolf or hybrid, please look into getting a husky, malamute or german shepherd. These are all dogs that look and act much like wolves because they are very closely related. But, at the end of the day, you still have an animal that it is possible to train and is at least moderately safe to have around people. If, after all of your research and facing all of the harsh realities, you still must have a wolf or hybrid, rescue one that is already in need. Why encourage the puppy mill breeding of more illegal wolves and hybrids by buying one, rather than helping a wolf or hybrid that really need it? Make sure that you have the proper facilities, time and commitment needed. Visit refuges to learn about building wolf-proof fence and healthy feeding practices. Learn as much as you can about wolf behavior and body language. Use your companion as an ambassador to its species. Educate your acquaintances about the important role played by the wolf in the wild, and especially about the very accurate fact that these animals are not for everyone.