The Care & Feeding of the Hybrid or Wolf Dog
by Anne Lambert
Neonatal Period
The Neonatal period is the time from birth to thirteen days of age. During this period your wolf dog should remain with the mother if at all possible. In addition to the antibodies that the pup will receive during the nursing process, the pup will be unable to perform a number of its own bodily functions, for which it will depend on the mother and its litter mates. The first of these to consider is temperature. The pup is unable to control the temperature of its body and requires its litter mates for this. Secondly, note that when a pup has finished nursing, the mother will turn it on its back and begin to vigorously lick the lower abdomen and genital area. She does this in order to stimulate the bowel and urinary systems. Without this, the pup is unable to eliminate waste products. Unable to rely on their own undeveloped senses, they benefit from minimum exposure to outsiders, who may unwittingly carry disease with them.
Transitional Period
The transitional period in the pup's life lasts from approximately the thirteenth day of life to the twentieth. Although the pup will still sleep quite a bit, if one is prepared for it, this may be an excellent time to introduce the new pup to his new home. It is a time of many changes and much growth. Its elimination will have to be aided by the human who is with the animal all day for feedings. The eyes will have just opened by this time, heralding a new world for the pup. It will begin to move around much more, although it will still not be able to walk immediately. The rear legs are still not strong enough to support its weight. It will probably begin to walk around the sixteenth day of life. At this time it will begin to explore the nest that you have created for it. During the same time period, the teeth will begin to emerge, causing it to chew on everything. Although this is a normal process, it makes sense at this time to begin to puppy-proof your house. The final sense, that of hearing, will emerge at about twenty days.
Socialization period
The socialization period of a pups life lasts from the fourth to the twelfth week. During this time it is essential that the pup be handled correctly and exposed gently to a myriad of new experiences without fear. This will, hopefully, socialize the animal effectively. Discipline should be given for improper behavior, but it must be given in the correct manner. With proper handling, the pups will come to accept you as the alpha animal in the home and begin to bond accordingly. Weaning will occur during this time period. Although there are many schools of thought on this, one single fact is agreed upon universally. Pups must be slowly transferred to a diet that is high in protein. With all the growth and changes occurring within the body, protein is a must for correct development. Canned pet food mixed with formula, cottage cheese (for bulk and to aid in digestion), beef broth or a bit of high protein infant cereal mixed into a gruel-like consistency will suffice to begin the pups transition from formula. It is wise to lay down a plastic covering at first (a cheap shower curtain liner or painters drop cloth is useful and inexpensive) and feed the pup on a shallow paper plate. Later, shift the feedings to a more permanent bowl. It is suggested that the bowl be made of a heavy duty material to avoid the hazards of the pup chewing on it and accidently ingesting an amount. Exposure to other people and animals is essential during this period for a well-adjusted adult animal. Parks, stables, stores, anywhere that you might be likely to take them in the future. Begin with minimal exposure at first, perhaps five minutes, then lengthen the time as the pup adjusts. Walk it on various surfaces such as concrete, gravel, tile, carpet and grass so that there will be no fear of the unknown. Note: Do not take the pup out and expose it to other animals before it has received its shots. Wolfdogs can have a weakness for diseases such as parvo and distemper that normal dogs have a small resistance to. Provide a multitude of toys for chewing, pulling and chasing. This will develop the pups muscles, eye coordination and social skills. It will also provide an alternative to undesirable chewing such as your personal belongings.
Discipline
As stated before, it is essential that you begin your pups education immediately. If destructive behavior is allowed because it's "Cute" and denied later when the animal is more capable of damage, the pup will not understand. This violation of pack rules and conduct will result in an animal that will not accept you as the alpha for your inconsistent behavior. Remain consistent. If the animal does something that is prohibited., warn him with an agreed upon signal. Warn again. When and if the behavior continues, pick up the pup by the scruff of the neck and shake him gently. Although this will result in screaming and crying on the part of the pup, do not be frightened. This is damaging merely to the pups feelings. It does not harm the pup. The second stage of correction is delivering a bite to the pups nose. In the pack, this is done by the alpha male as a mild rebuke and reminder that it is still the alpha male. Many owners find this difficult to do. If so, the strongest form of rebuke is to turn the animal over on to his back (no matter how large he grows this is effective) and grab the animal by the throat while continuing to pin him down until he goes limp and accepts your leadership. In the pack the submissive member will go limp and urinate a bit to show submission. There are other means of expressing dominance, such as acting out the part of a dominant male performing the sex act but as this will not work for a female, I have not included it. Never strike these animals, as it is a challenge to them. Thousands of years of instinct demand that it fight if you challenge it in such a manner. Use the methods that it will understand and accept.
Fencing
There are many alternatives in commercial fencing that you might consider for a wolf pup, but these are serious considerations. First, it must be over six feet in height. A full-grown wolf can clear a six foot fence with very few problems. It must be sturdy. Any grade of chain fence below that of standard chain link is substandard for the breed and will result in the animal tearing the fence apart and escaping. Wood is acceptable but keep in mind that wolves love to chew on wood. A hot wire at the top and bottom will help deter escapes. A problem with the wolf and its escape tendencies is digging. Although more will be said later on the subject of digging for escape and for dens, keep in mind that it is advisable to have a three foot length of fence buried at an angle beneath your already existing fence. Atop the fence should be another length of wire, bending inward at an angle. Again, the alternative to this system is the hot wire for the top and bottom of the fence. Some people have had success with invisible fencing or sound barriers. A lot depends on your animal and his desire to be free.
Veterinary care
Some veterinarians will not treat wolf dogs. It is recommended that you research this
prior to your acquisition. Although you might want to register your animal with the vet as
a husky or malamute mix, keep in mind that some anesthesias do not work on the hybrid as
they do on the dog. It is advisable that you find a vet who will work with you on caring
for the animal. Keep in mind also that wolf dogs seem extremely susceptible to certain
diseases such as the parvo virus. It is essential that you keep the puppy and adult
vaccinations up to date. Use killed virus as opposed to live virus vaccines.
At the present time, there is no federally accepted rabies vaccination for wolf dogs.
Several organizations are lobbying for this at this writing. It is prudent to keep in
touch with your vet for the latest details. At this time, if your wolf dog bites someone,
the animal will be taken from you immediately and killed for dissection of the brain to
ascertain whether or not rabies exists. No questions, no apologies. It is the law.
Hopefully this will change in the future. In most states that allow wolfdog ownership it
is required that your wolfdog be kept on a leash when out in public and that the shot
record of the animal be with you at all times.
Housebreaking
Train the wolfdog as you would any other dog. As a general rule, it might take a bit longer, but the overall effects will be the same. It is helpful to install a large dog door so that the animal can enter and exit at will.
Damage
Without a doubt, destructive chewing is one of the most frustrating problems with the
wolfdog. In the puppy and young adult stages (from about a month to eighteen months of
age) they delight in chewing. This is, in large part, a physical need of the animal based
on teething. The first step in prevention and the preservation of you home is to
puppy=proof you home as you would for a baby. Lock up all cleaners as cabinet doors
present no obstacle for the pup. Nor will counter tops. Place personal belongings in a
closed off area such as a closet. From the time that it is small, make sure that there is
a variety of chewable items available. These cam be purchased at your local pet store. Be
as aware of the pups location in your home as you would of the location and actions of a
human infant. When it begins undesirable chewing, gently remove the animal and place it
down with an acceptable item.
When you need to go out, it is prudent to place the pup in a safe area such as a travel
pen. This can also be used for sleeping (an indoor den if you will that can belong only to
the pup). The animal can become very possessive about this area. Place chew toys inside
the pen and leave, making as little fuss as you can. This will assure the pup that this is
normal behavior and therefore acceptable.
Finally, accept that there will be damage to personal possessions and deal with these
accordingly. Always remember that these things are not done maliciously and that this is
natural behavior for the animal. Simply redirect it whenever possible and avoid anger and
resentment. Outside, you might find your favorite ornamental tree or bush slightly chewed.
Digging
Digging will occur. This is, again, part of the genetic makeup and behavior of your animal. It digs to make a home for itself or to hide something valuable. It can make your yard rather hazardous to the casual visitor but cannot be stopped. Stop only those hole which might lead to escape or collapse. One way to stop a "den" from being dug is to fill it with water.
Additional Pets in the Home
This depends largely on the individuals involved. You cannot simply throw two animals together and hope that they'll get along. If you have an alpha male already and add another, you'll find there is a great deal of trouble. The best way is to plan the arrival considering what animals already live with you. If you have a calm female, you would do will with either an alpha male or an alpha female to rule. If you have a dominant animal, then it might be best to look for a wolfdog who will accept the submissive role. A great deal will also depend ion the introduction of the pup to the household. In a multi-animal household (one with dogs and cats, for instance) if the animal is introduced young enough it may simply come to accept them as alternate members of the pack.
Hello. My name is Levi Hunt. I am currently 15 years old. I would like to say a few
things on my position on wolves. Wolves are a magnificent breed of animals. I myself have
owned several dogs. Regular dogs. Not hybrids just dogs. Now I own a wolf hybrid. His name
is Spirit. Half Gray wolf and half malamute. Out of all these animals, I have never had
such a bond as I do with my Spirit. I do not consider him a dog, I get mad when they call
him a dog. Why? Simple. All the stories about Little Red Riding Hood and etc are so false
it's silly. Man has done a great wrong in misjudging these wonderful creatures. But in the
wake of it, he has left dogs virtually un-hurt. Wolves have undergone much speculation
where as it isn't needed. The rabies shots DO work. The ONLY time a wolf will attack is if
you threaten it or a family member. You hear MANY cases where a bulldog or rotweiller has
attacked a person or child. But you never hear of the wolf attacking one. Again you ask,
why? Easy. It's because it doesn't happen. I would trust Spirit with my very life rather
than a German Shepard. Wolves are so family oriented it's outstanding when you see these
amazing animals at play with their pack. Our pack consists of: Me, Spirit, Kathy (My
girlfriend), mom, and dad. Spirit KNOWS when a family member is near. He loves all my real
brothers to death. Plus my friends. He has barked maybe once at a stranger. But I saw the
reason why. Drug dealers are not a good type of person. I myself as a teen have found that
these animals have so
much love in their hearts. They are so much human. Wait, they ARE humans. Only with fur
and they walk on four legs. Spirit talks, runs, eats, sleeps and does everything with us.
My bond with him will never be broken. His soul and mine are linked together like a real
human brother. And I know he feels the same way. When I get home from school, he knows
EXACTLY what time on which days I will get home. He sits and waits for me. If I'm late, he
whimpers to mom and dad. He does the same for mom to. He hates to be away from us. Just
recently when I had my wisdom teeth extracted, I couldn't eat, my parents were worried,
and Spirit slept right beside me the whole time I was in bed. When I needed something, I
would sit up a bit, ask where mom and dad were, and he would run into their room and get
them. I love him to death. My girlfriend lives quite a distance from me. Ely Minn to be
exact. When she sends me a letter, Spirit knows. When I look at her picture I smile, and
he smiles with me. He knows who she is even when she is not here. I find it amazing.
Wolves are so amazing. Their un-predictability is unique in every quality. It's never
something that will hurt you in any way. (Maybe take out a trashcan, etc) When you ask
other wolf/hybrid owners, you'll be suprised in the similarities. Well, I must go. I have
to spend some time with my little brother before I go to work. Thank you :)
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