Things You'll Need:
- Internet connection
- Pad of paper and pen.
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Step 1
Take your pad of paper and a pen and write down your answers to the questions asked in the following steps. It is important that you know what you are getting in to and you take the time to make sure you are the right owner for a wolfdog and that the wolfdog is the right pet for you. You may need to use the Internet to answer some of the questions.
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Step 2
Laws. Laws on exotic pet ownership are controlled by the state you live in, then the county, and cities or townships. The first step of figuring out if a wolfdog is for you is to find out if it is legal in your area. Unless you are willing to move to own such a dog, this could be the end of your research. More and more states, counties, and cities are making it harder to own exotic animals, especially ones that pose a potential danger.
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Step 3
If you have children under fourteen or who have physical issues then a wolfdog isn't the dog for you. While many of them can be trained well, young children or those with physical disabilities may be seen as prey. This is especially true when they scream or yell, or fall down. Your wolfdog may be loving one moment, and making the mistake of hunting your child the next.
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Step 4
Are you ready for a wolfdog's personality?
It is true that there is no way that I could tell you how your wolfdog's personality will be. However, there are some issues that many wolfdog owners have to deal with. Often these characteristics depend on how much wolf is in your wolfdog cross, but you may have to deal with the following issues:
*Shyness-Many wolfdogs are very shy. They don't tend like strangers and will try to hide with those they don't know around.
*Housebroken-Many wolfdogs struggle to be housebroken and often have frequent accidents.
*Destructive-Most wolfdogs are highly destructive tearing up furniture, walls, doors, and carpet. Not to mention ripping the yard up.
*Other animals-These animals do best in pairs because of their pack nature, but they don't usually do well with other dogs, cats, or small animals.
*Not Man's Best Friend-They don't usually feel the need to please their masters (in fact they won't usually think of you as a master).
*Not Guard Dogs-It is important to know that wolfdogs will see you as alpha (or you have a big issue). As such it is your duty to protect the pack. The wolfdog will hide should it feel like anyone in the pack is in danger (it is the Alpha wolf's job to protect the pack!).
If you are okay with all of these things, or think you can manage to be okay with all of these things, then you will want to continue on. -
Step 5
Can you meet a wolfdog's needs?
Wolfdog's aren't ordinary dogs and as such they have special needs. You have to be prepared to meet all of the needs of your new pet, should you decide to get one.
Vet Care-Many veterinarians won't deal with wolfdogs. You will have to search for one that will. To do this you will have to call around and ask about it. Make sure you have a vet before you have a wolfdog.
Containment-You should never keep a wolfdog in an apartment, or in a neighborhood where houses are close together. A wolfdog also needs a large pen with a thick gauge wire fence. It is best if there is a second fence a few feet away to keep people who are strangers away from the wolfdog for their safety. It should have a dig guard so it can't be dug under, and be at least six feet tall.
*Training-It is often hard to get a trainer for a wolfdog as well. The trainer needs to be one who uses alpha pack theories and rewarding instead of discipline methods.
*Diet-The diet needs to be at least meat based kibble, but is best if it includes bones, raw meat, and even fur.
*Financial Consideration-It is expensive to have exotic pet vet care, food, housing needs, and other things your wolfdog may require. Are you prepared to pay for it's needs? -
Step 6
Keeping all these things in mind, is a wolfdog for you? It is true that they are beautiful. It is true that they can make great companions (most never call them "pets" since they don't act like them). It is true that you could get the exception to the rule. However, if you are not prepared for all of these things, then you should find a nice domestic dog for your home. If you think you are ready for a wolfdog and all the good and bad that comes with it, start looking for a breeder. Talk with them about your concerns and ask any questions you have. Only you can decide if a wolfdog is right for you.
