High content wolfdogs are very strong and difficult to train, require large secure outdoor pens, have special diets, and require a great deal of attention. They are very intelligent and get bored easily. While in some ways the behavior of wolfdogs is not much different than that of the typical canine family pet, certain traits are greatly magnified. For example, wolfdogs:
- react poorly
to standard dog training
- may dig large holes in
their pens or the backyard, especially if bored
or tied down
- can jump or climb a six-foot high fence
- are smart and learn commands easily,
but often decide to ignore them
- require an enclosure large enough for exercise
and play.
- will roll over and over again
in the most obnoxious smelling substance known
to the human nose.
- do not respond to discipline
the way most dogs do. Training a wolf dog is
about as 'easy' as training a house cat.
- do not like to be alone (they
need a canine or human companion). Providing
a companion often negates undesirable behaviors
discussed in this section. Remember, wolves
are highly developed social animals that normally
live in groups; it's not in their nature to
be alone. A lone wolf is not a happy wolf.
- require a very high protein diet.
Most commercial dog foods are difficult
for wolf dogs to digest due to their high vegetable/low
protein content.
- may be very fearful of people outside
of the family. Taking them to public places
may cause high anxiety and stress.
- Require a very high amount of socialization,
often and repeatedly, from a very young age
through adulthood, if you expect to ever take them
to public places (or even for a walk).
- are not good off leash;
they may run off in pursuit of something interesting
and are difficult to call back; or they may
find that obnoxious smelly stuff discussed above.
- bark very little, but boy do they howl.
Wolf dogs are poor watchdogs!
They don't bark and tend to be fearful of strangers.
