How to Teach a Pet Wolf Tricks

Some people say that training a wolf is impossible, or pointless. But a wolf is actually easier to train than a dog thanks to its larger brain. People tend to forget that there's a difference between dogs and wolves, and so they need to be dealt with in a way that works for them specifically.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Take into consideration the things that make a wolf a wolf. Wolves are not domestic animals, and so it is not recommended that they are kept captive unless they are born into it. By the time a wolf reaches 2 weeks old, the training or "socialization" process should be started. Teach the pups early on that humans are natural to their surroundings.

2. Train only when using a leash or within a restricted area. Even with being raised in captivity around humans, they will never lose their wild instincts.

3. Do all training in small amounts. Wolves tend to get bored easily. While a dog might not have any problem doing the same tricks over and over, a wolf is bound to do one a few times and then want to move on to something else. It doesn't mean they won't learn tricks, it just means they need to learn in small amounts.

4. Give treats only when tricks have been performed. Treats are helpful as a guide for leading them in the right direction. By tricking them into following the treat, they quickly learn that doing that action would be beneficial to them.

5. Teach your wolf to jump through a hoop. Have someone hold the hoop between them and the treat that you are holding, forcing them to go through in order to reach what they want. After doing this a few times, they should start to get the idea that going through the hoop is directly related to them getting the treat, and so the hoop could be moved into an indirect position with hopefully the same result. Keep in mind though, that this won't last long before you either need to end training or move on to something else to keep the wolf from becoming bored.

6. Use treats to teach the wolf a signal that tells them they are done, or that there aren't any more treats. A possible action could be to wave your empty hands in front of them after having given them a treat for a trick, so that they see there is nothing more for them to eat. In the future this will also be a helpful tool to teach them not to beg, as they will see that you don't have anything for them and move on.

Tips & Warnings

• Treats don't always have to be food related. Wolves tend to like toys or pretty much anything that they can fit in their mouths.
• Wolves don't respond well to commands like dogs do.
• Don't use negative reinforcement methods. Hitting or shouting angrily at a wolf will only scare it or make it hostile.