How to Train Wolf Hybrids
Canis lupus, or the wolf, is the largest of canine breed in the wild. These fierce predators live and hunt in a pack that contains a complicated social system, dominated by a single wolf known as the alpha. Dogs that are cross-bred with wolves often keep this pack instinct, as well as the more dangerous instincts of hunting and biting. Owning a wolf hybrid is an extremely large responsibility. The only way you will be able to train this hybrid is to establish yourself as the pack's alpha.
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Instructions
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Begin training wolf hybrids as early as two weeks old. Training must begin at an early age, before wolf instincts begin to show themselves.
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Socialize your hybrid with other animals, adults and children, as soon as training begins. If possible, train two hybrids together, or a hybrid with another large dog breed. Hybrids need to get used to loud noises, changing situations and other variations in the world around them, or the hybrid will become skittish and dangerous, as it gets older.
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Take your hybrid on a pack walk daily, to show your dominance as alpha. Keep the hybrid on a short leash and make it heel or walk behind you as you stroll, so that it understands that you are in charge. When the hybrid sees you as alpha, it will respect your authority and instructions more quickly.
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Keep a small snack for yourself near the hybrid's dish. Always eat before you feed your hybrid. In the pack, the alpha always eats first; make sure it sees you eating before it is allowed to eat. When you put its food on the floor, the hybrid must wait until you tell it to eat. If the hybrid tries to bolt for the food, block it with your body and tell it to "wait" in a strong, stern voice.
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Give commands like "sit" or "stay" in a strong voice. Reward the hybrid for following directions with a small treat and positive praise; do not reward it or let it play with toys if it does not follow instructions. This method of giving and withholding reinforcement will teach the hybrid that it must follow your commands.
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Decide where and when your dog is allowed to go into the house. The most comfortable place is reserved for the alpha; if you want to let the hybrid sit with you on the couch or the bed, you must sit first and then invite it to sit. You should also lead the way through doorways and up or down stairs, so that it knows that you decide where it goes.
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Teach your hybrid from a young age not to nip or mouth at humans or other dogs. As soon as it tries to, give it a stern "no" and withhold all positive reinforcement and affection; the hybrid will gradually understand that this behavior is bad. If you do not train the hybrid not to mouth or nip at a young age, it may think this is okay to bite as it gets older.
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Tips & Warnings
Feed your hybrid on a schedule; never use self-feeding food dispensers. This will remind the hybrid that you are in charge of everything it does. Never feed your hybrid table scraps, as this can be seen as a sign of weakness or as you conceding to its leadership.
If you want the hybrid to listen to other members of your household (spouse, children, etc.), have them give the hybrid commands and reinforcements for those commands at least once per day. The hybrid will understand that the other humans must also be obeyed, even if you are the alpha.
In general, wolves communicate silently by body movement and energy. Your hybrid may get confused if you try to use a lot of words to train it. Instead, use your body for gestures, affection or to stop it, if the hybrid misbehaves.
Howling is an instinctual behavior; you will not be able to train your dog not to howl, so get used to it.
Some states require a license to raise wolf hybrids. Check the laws in your state before purchasing one.
Never attempt to train a wolf hybrid if you are new to owning pets or if you are unsure of your ability to complete the task. Hybrids maintain many wolf characteristics, including the pack mentality. If they sense weakness in you, they will constantly challenge your authority. Consult an expert trainer or breeder for training help.
Never strike a wolf hybrid as punishment. This will immediately cause the animal to see you as a threat, and can lead to bad behavior or even attacks.
Never leave a wolf hybrid alone with a baby or small child. The crying or flailing of a child can activate the wolf's hunting instincts, leading to injury or death.
References
- Photo Credit wolf image by Melissa Schalke from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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wolf-dog
Aug 20, 2010
I have worked with wolf-dogs for 15 years and ran a small wolf-dog rescue for 12. I do agree that socialization is very important. However these are very intelligent animals and there is no need to train at such a young age. I believe that the animal needs to be with mother for at least 8 weeks or you will see others problems develop later in life. If your animal has wolf like characteristics he/she will respond better to non verbal commands than verbal commands. The most important thing you can teach a wolf dog is to lay down and roll over; this is a submissive position and you will have his full attention. Often wolf-dogs respond better to praise and affection than treats. I find that making it very clear that we are human and they are dogs and maintaining that line is very important. Your animal may play with other dogs but needs to behave according to your standards when he is...
