WOLF-DOG DNA

The resemblance is unmistakable when placed side by side. There’s no question that the two are related. Observe the distance between the eyes and the shape of their muzzles. their ears.  Wolves and dogs together fall under the same canine classification, and their DNA structures are so similar, sharing 98.8% that they can interbreed, resulting in wolfdogs. WOLF-DOG THE QUESTION IS- CAN THE WOLF BE TRAINED

The lingering question is whether wolves should be trained in the same way as dogs, and if dog training techniques are applicable when encountering a wolf or a coyote. Is it safe? After all, they look the same. So, when we are examining the similarities’ and differences in behavior is it safe to conclude because wolves are similar in appearance that they are similar in behavior? lets examine the history first…

HOW HUMANS AND WOLVES CAME TOGETHER

The wolf befriended humans around 35,000 years ago. likely because they figured out that they could obtain food from human camps. It’s observed that early humans employed techniques to attract and befriend wolves similar to those used in modern dog training. For instance in the film “Dances with Wolves,” humans are depicted throwing food to wolves from a distance to earn their trust.

A method I also use to gain the trust of a traumatized animals. Wolves have established a symbiotic relationship where humans supply food and wolves provide companionship. Yet, the trainability of wolves is a complicated matter. Many organizations in Canada and the United States, like Yamnuska in Cochrane and other wolf camps, offer training, tours, and educational programs about wolf behavior. These organizations    Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary | Cochrane Directory (cochranetourism.ca)      

suggest that although wolves can be trained in ways similar to dogs, the process is significantly more difficult due to their wild instincts.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN WOLVES AND DOG

The differences are that a dog may be destructive tearing things up or chewing the corner of a couch, but a wolf will devour the couch. Leaving only the frame. Wolves are more unpredictable and can become aggressive if threatened. A dog seeks to please its owner, while a wolf desires leadership and independence. A wolf is better at problem-solving, whereas a dog may give up and look to its owner for a solution. A wolf’s dominance is centered around resources, while a dog’s dominance is about being the leader of its pack, including its human family. Despite these differences, it ultimately comes down to leadership. https://animalstart.com/wolf-as-a-pet/

TRAINING THE WOLF

While a wolf can be trained with the same training methods as dogs, however, it is very difficult and can take years to do. The wolf requires patience and they are extremely sensitive to training. The slightest correction can have dire consequences, along with being cornered or trapped. They do however respond to positive training methods and they respect leadership. Which might make us re think some of the training we do with our own  dogs. Wolf and Wolfdog Rescue Sanctuary Home | Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary

THE BENEFITS OF HAVING AND TRAINING A WOLF DOG

The wolfdog offers the best of both worlds: it’s easier to train, less sensitive, and comes without the drawbacks. This reflects how we humans also respond to life’s challenges, and it teaches us about our own dog training methods. Studies have shown that dog behavior improves with positive reinforcement and deteriorates with negative reinforcement. The consequences of improper training are evident in Pitbull’s, when they do not have the proper leadership in training the consequences can be dire. As seen through Pitbull attacks either attacking a person or attacking a small animal. 

WOLVES DO BENEFIT FROM DOMESTICATION

Thus, wolves could benefit from a touch of domestication for effective training. The hybrid wolfdog, resulting from the mating of wolves and dogs, simplifies the training process for wolves. It is not recommended to employ dog training techniques when encountering a wolf. However if we know something about their behaviors and responses, we can better prepare ourselves. Wolves respect leadership and positive reinforcement and they respond poorly to being cornered or trapped, or if their own are threatened, or if they are threatened in anyway.

HOW TO RESPOND WHEN YOU HAVE A WOLF ENCOUNTER

If we are met with the wolf make yourself look bigger than you are, don’t turn your back on them, instead look them in the eye, and be confident with leadership. If they attack fight back, however they will rarely attack a human. Throw sticks, rocks and back away slowly, especially if you have a small dog with you. The biggest concerns with wild wolves are when they lose their fear of us then they are more likely to be unpredictable and have spontaneous attacks. Feeding them can also lead to human attacks. Wolves are one of the most fascinating animals on earth but need to be handled with wisdom and care. Treat them with respect and they in return respect us in return. Isn’t that how our relationship began in the first place?