Dogs and Wolfdogs Socialization: Enrichment

I’ve mentioned specific enrichment activities many times, but I never talked about what enrichment is and why it’s so important for the mental health and socialization of dogs and wolfdogs.

Enrichment activities stimulate an animal’s mind by giving it obstacles to overcome, problems to solve, and physical challenges. Enrichment can alleviate boredom, curb destructive behaviors, and improve the quality of life of contained animals. Enrichment also helps animals adjust to new situations and sensations.

The activities are always designed to simulate the natural behaviors and activities of specific animals. For example, enrichment activities for a parrot would be very different from a robin, since one finds fruits and nuts in trees and the other searches the ground for grubs and worms.

For dogs and wolfdogs, activities may cater to such things as:

-The Prey Drive (without a kill… as in the poster)

-The Senses (scent marking and rolling)

-Oral Satisfaction (chewing raw bones)

-Movement (platforms, tunnels, walks)

-New Sensations and Situations( wrapping things in packages or hanging a plastic tarp outside the pen)

Enrichment also aids in containment, since a happy, stimulated animal is more likely to stay put and not have a need to wander for thrills.

Enrichment is not only for the animal, it gives the owner or caregivers a challenge to create and think like the animal, rewards all around.

Have fun, do some research on natural behaviors, and take the challenge to enrich all of your animal’s lives.

Dog and Wolfdog Behavior: Adolescence Or Bad Training

Photo TexxWolf

Since most pups are surrendered for behavior issues during adolescence, it’s time the “phase” gets more attention, because while adolescence has not been professionally studied it is often talked about anecdotally by experts.

Sure, most mammals go through a transition between childhood and adulthood that is marked by more independence, risk taking, testing limits and challenging authority and peers. 

In both dogs and wolfdogs, the transition noted by owners is marked as selective hearing, stubbornness, refusal to do known commands, a regression to earlier behaviors such as mouthing, jumping, demanding barking, lapses in housebreaking, and destructive chewing. 

Owners and trainers sometimes agree that the phase is limited to about a year and a half, with some larger breeds taking longer to mature.

But dog trainer and behavioral counselor, Jolanta Benal has a different theory that makes sense. Benal says, “Adolescent dogs aren’t puppies anymore. Puppies are smallish and super cute, and the result of being smallish and super cute is that people see your behavior as harmless and sweet. A puppy jumps up, and people say “Awwwww.” Three months later, that puppy has spent his entire life jumping on people; he’s really good at it, and he weighs 50 pounds, so now he’s tagged an “out-of-control adolescent.” 

“Or take mouthing,” she continues. “Or take mouthing. We can and should teach young puppies to mouth chew toys instead of our arm, and to tug at a rope toy instead of our clothes. But many people don’t know how, or don’t know how important it is, or aren’t proactive and consistent. At 9 months old, Mouthy Zippy is doing exactly what he did at 3 months, only now it really freaking hurts and all your jackets are torn."

These kind of problems can really be a problem for wolfdogs since these behaviors are often viewed as the “wolf” in the wolfdog rearing its vicious head. And I do get really annoyed to hear trainers chalk bad behavior up to the “wolf” side. 

These behaviors also frighten people because wolfdogs grow really fast but mature really slowly. So, Zippy’s 9 month mouthing is a bigger issue for a 60lb wolfdog at 6 months, and again… unfortunately it's taken as a sign of the “wolf’s” natural aggression ...BS!

As for small dogs, their puppy size and cuteness could be the reason for all their issues. After all, who can resist a paw up calming signal from a little yapper after you caught him in the middle of a little piddle. Super-sized, the puddle is less subtle, paw up or not.

However, the true culprit can be that people don’t realize training is ongoing and doesn’t end with puppy training class graduation. Benal adds, “I’ve noticed that many people who have trouble getting their adolescent dogs to come when called took their puppy’s nearness for granted, meaning they didn’t purposefully practice and reward coming to them on cue. From the dog’s point of view, a general preference for being near her people is quite different from understanding that “Dogalini, come!” is a signal to close the distance in a hurry right now. If you don’t teach and reward that specific behavior, it’ll go away, like any other behavior with little or no payoff."

So next time, you think a young animal is trying to defy you, think again…  Are you falling short on the “goods” too soon?

See Benal's full article on the topic at Quick and Dirty Tips.com

Wolfdog Containment: How To Keep A Wolfdog In An Enclosure

Article by Megan Lindsay

One of the most important aspects of wolfdog ownership is the containment they are kept in. A secure means of housing your animals outdoors is essential.

While some lower content wolfdogs can be pet quality and kept in the house, most higher content wolfdogs need an outdoor enclosure to live in. Containment should be planned in advance and built before adopting or buying wolfdog. 

Wolfdogs are what we call single event learners, it only takes one time for them to do something for them to learn. This includes escaping. It should be kept in mind that escaping from containment is a reward to the animal and once they know it is possible to get out, it will lead to fence testing. This is a VERY dangerous habit and difficult to break. The best way to deal with fence testing is to prevent it in the first place with a secure and escape proof enclosure.

There are many different kinds of fencing and ideas you can use to create a safe and fun enclosure. 

Eight foot high fencing is suggested. The materials are important, wolfdogs are very strong willed animals and when they are determined to do something, they will do everything in their power to succeed. They can easily hop a six foot fence and tear up wood. Cattle panel fencing is one of the most durable and strong materials you can use. If you choose to use chain-link, make sure it is nine gauge or stronger. You can also add lean-ins which are sections of fencing that point inward and extend a few feet out on top of the fence. Dig guards are also highly recommended, which is a section of fencing that lays on the ground next to the fence to prevent animals from digging out.

Invisible fencing and tethering are not proper forms of containment. 

Chaining can lead to aggression, pacing, and neurotic behaviors. Your dog can also get tangled up and not know how to untangle themselves. When tangled, dogs can be asphyxiated by struggling. By tethering, the dog has no means of escape or ways to protect themselves from other dogs or wild animals. A happy wolfdog is not one tied up. 

Invisible fencing are not recommended because a determined dog can run through the shock barrier to get to whatever is on the other side, but they do not want to return once they get out because in order to come back to the property they would have to be shocked again.

So now you have your proper fencing up, what else do you need? 

Enrichment! Any thing to create stimulation, excitement, provoke interest, or challenge them. Enrichment is an effective way to prevent wolfdogs from fence testing, but you should always have a companion dog or wolfdog to keep your wolfdog company when you are not around. A bored wolfdog is one who will try to escape, dig, or be destructive. 

Common forms of enrichment for wolfdogs are wooden platforms or dog houses that they can hop up on or large metal tubs they can go for a dip in. Plastic baby pools can work as well, but when in a pen with wolfdogs, they may not last very long. Toys, such as the KONG, where treats are placed on the inside of the toy and the dog has to figure out how to get them out is another great way to enrich your animal's life.

Remember, Wolfdogs are incredibly smart, very curious, extremely athletic, independent opportunists. You should always prepare yourself for the worst. It is always better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to wolfdog containment!

Dog and Wolf Dog Calming Signals: Shaking It Off

Anyone involved in sports has probably heard coaches shout, “Shake it off!” It’s a common human expression that simply means… let go of what just happened and move on.

Remarkably, “Shake it off” used by dogs as a calming signal has a very similar meaning.

Different from most calming signals that are meant to avoid conflict, “Shaking it off” most often occurs after a conflict has been avoided, or at least the worst of it.

Also, if you missed the other signs of stress, you can’t help notice your dog “Shaking it off “ when the stress or stressor has passed... like a tense encounter with a dog or being approached by a stranger.

Many dogs put in new and perceived stressful situations, will use “Shake It Off” often. Eventually, the behavior will decrease over time once the dog begins to feel comfortable with his environment.

Taking note of the behavior is a very useful tool to determine improvement in an animal over time if “Shaking It Off” is favored or used frequently by a dog.

This calming signal is different from wet shaking because obviously there will be no moisture. But the best way to determine if your dog uses “Shake It Off” as a calming signal is to watch his behavior and figure out what may have triggered it… other dogs, people, or the vacuum.

Knowing what the trigger may be, does not mean you should avoid discomfort. There are training techniques to help your dog change the way he reacts and “feels” when a trigger is present or approaching.

 For more about calming signals along with a list of signals reviewed here, visit the Wolfer Magic Blog calming signal page:

Good and Bad Dog and Wolfdog Breeders: Red Flag Warnings

I'd rather people adopt any breed dog or wolfdog, but being realistic I know people will buy, so I'd rather see bad breeders and con artists sink like stones in a quarry.

To be fair, legitimate breeders may do some of the things I mention here, but I’m setting up this list of warning signs that can tell you something may be fishy. Trust your gut.

What can possibly be wrong?

They run a puppy mill. The pups could be sick. The pups could be stolen. They won’t deliver/ship the pups after you pay. They may bait you with a picture and deliver a completely different animal.

So how can you be sure?

There’s no way to be sure if you buy anything online or sight unseen.

RED FLAGS

 Bad Breeders Don’t Ask Questions

Someone who cares about the animals they breed will want to screen the people they sell to. If you’ve done your homework on a particular breed, you ‘ll know what kinds of questions they should be asking. If you’re not sure, you need to do more homework.

Bad Breeders Won’t Allow Pre-Purchase Visits

Sometimes breeders don’t want someone in their home for various reasons, but this should raise a flag if you are not allowed to meet a pup before you purchase. A good breeder will want to see how you interact with a pup before they allow you to take it, and will arrange a place to meet you. Personally, I would want to see the home and one of the parents first.

 Bad Breeders Make Excuses

A bad breeder is secretive because they know what they’re doing is morally or legally wrong. They will make all kinds of excuses to keep you away from the pups and or them before a purchase. “I don’t let people see the pups because they haven’t had shots.” “I can’t get around much, so you’ll just have to take my word.” But they’ll personally pack the pup in a crate and send it off across the country on a plane. As if there are no germs on planes.

 Bad Breeders Rush You

They’re in a rush to find a buyer, so if it’s not you, you’re wasting their time, and time is money. They will tell you there are five other people who want this pup sight unseen. “Do you want it or not?”
Bad Breeders Make Guarantees
 
Con artists and bad breeders need to make a sale. They will promise the impossible. “All my pups will have great temperaments, make great house dogs, and are great with kids... I bred them like that.”

Bad Breeders Make More Excuses

If a bad breeder does meet you with a sickly puppy, she will make claims that the pup is underweight because he was stressed on the ride, or all puppies have eye drainage, or bald patches. These are professional crooks who will count on your sympathy to take that pup with you no matter what.

 Bad Breeders Must Have Full Payment Immediately

Yes, some breeders ask for deposits to hold pups and some will not breed unless they have a deposit on an approximate litter. But if they are asking for full payment immediately by PayPal, sight unseen, without even asking your address, then you may get scammed.

Spotting Bad Breeders Outright

Good breeders care about the animals they brought into this world. They want to know you, your lifestyle, and that you’d make a good match.

Puppy mill breeders and scammers only care about making money off of your ignorance or sympathy for the pup. They don’t want to know anything about you, and they don’t want you to know anything about their bad practices.

Con artists and bad breeders come in all sizes and shapes, and they even use front people to gain your trust, like sweet little old ladies, or smart looking women with twenty years of experience breeding show dogs. If you don’t feel right follow your instincts, don’t buy that puppy, you’re just encouraging them to do it again and again.

For more see Megan Lindsay’s article “Why you should not buy from a puppy mill” http://wolfermagic.blogspot.com/2013/08/responsible-ownership-why-you-should.html

This link is for a wolfdog specific article about bad breeders: http://texx-wolf-tails.webs.com/wolfdogbreeders.htm

Personally, I feel there are plenty of adoptable pups and adult dogs out there to choose from. The pups may not still have that milk fed puppy smell and the adult dogs may need a review of manners, but it’s a misconception that dogs in rescue or shelters are broken. They are usually there because the owner was broken and never considered a dog to be a lifetime commitment.

And where do these broken people get dogs… puppy mills and bad breeders.

Think about adoption first.

Dog and Wolfdog Calming Signals: Yawning

There are no conclusive studies about why we yawn, but yawning as a calming signal in dogs is well-documented by animal behaviorists.

First, an interesting bit about yawing from Psychology Today:

'Despite what you may have heard, yawning has nothing to do with increasing the body's oxygen supply. In experiments, subjects yawn just as much in oxygen-rich air as they do in an oxygen-poor atmosphere. Yawning is, however, a response to boredom. When researchers showed students ages 17-19 music videos and color bar test patterns, those who saw the test patterns yawned nearly twice as often as those who watched videos, and their yawns lasted longer.

But boredom isn't the only yawn factor. If someone you're conversing with yawns, chances are, you will too. "Yawning is extraordinarily contagious," says Robert Provine, a pioneer of yawning research. "Seeing a person yawn triggers yawns. Reading about yawning causes yawns. Sitting in a room thinking about yawning triggers yawning," he says. Some experts think this happens because yawning evolved as a means of communication. It may help animals, including humans, coordinate their behavioral responses to changing conditions in the environment. "

lol... Did you yawn?

So how can you figure out if your dog is calming yawning or just yawning because they're bored?

Look at the whole picture. It may be a reaction to being hugged, petting or being restrained in some manner, like being held at a heel in a busy environment. All these things can be uncomfortable for some dogs.

If your dog is obviously not bored and has been playing and jumping around, or was in full zoomie mode...did you put a damper on things and say,"settle down" or "no" when he jumped on you? Your reaction to his fun may have made him uncomfortable.

Your yawns can also help your dog calm down during stressful situations, but be cautious, you may trigger a whole office full of yawns at the veterinarian's office.

For other calming signals covered at Wolfer Magic see the Calming Signals Article

Dog and Wolfdog Calming Signals: Moving Slowly or the Slow Approach

Even without my glasses, I can always tell when there’s a dog (or something dog-like ) in the distance, because at least one of my dogs will start moving in slow motion.

Sometimes this can be misread as stalking, but as a signal, the ears are relaxed to the side instead of forward.

The slow motion calming signal is a non-threatening approach to oncoming animal or human traffic. Usually, the approaching traffic is coming at a fast pace and puts the dog in an uncomfortable position of having to assess the situation.

I have experienced this calming signal from dogs more regularly during walks rather than jogs or runs. This may be because dogs moving at a fast pace are focused on moving, whereas, walking dogs are focused on their surroundings.

The slow approach is not only for the trail. It can be used any time a dog must approach something that makes them uncomfortable.

Being guilty of always running late and still having yet to walk the dogs, I see this calming signal more often than I should.

So it goes like this:

I'm standing at the front door with my keys and leash in hand, I call my Husky, an older female with a thyroid condition that makes her look like a stuffed sausage.

“Aims, outside!”

She’s on my bed as usual, while my faithful German Shepherd is already leashed, ready and waiting.

“Let’s go!” I say with a bit more oomph.

I hear footsteps ever so slowly approach the top of the stairs then Aims stands there, looking at me.

“Let’s go!”

Of course, she opens up her repertoire of calming signals and bows, yawns, and finally lies down.

Yeah, I get it. It’s all my fault. I should allow more time so I won’t have to rush.

So, my point... next time you think your dog is being a pain in the butt, consider your role in their actions.

For more about calming signals and a list of each article click here.

Dog and Wolfdog Rescue: Hospice Fostering

This special kind of  animal rescue is not for everyone but it's worth considering.

There are people who are willing to bring home sick and elderly animals knowing from the start their time together will be brief.

Yes, there will be heartbreak, but one concern people have people have in taking sick and elderly animals is the expense of healthcare.

If you believe no animal should die alone, Hospice Fostering Programs can help, and there are a few ways you can help.

Some rescues will pull animals from shelters and pay medical expenses for sick and elderly animals. Other rescues offer Hospice fostering for animals they already have.

No kill shelters sometimes offer hospice foster programs for their animals, you can always ask.

If you can't foster, you can still help by sponsoring an animal or raising funds and raise awareness.

Here are a few places to look into if you would like to foster or sponsor a foster:

The Panda Project

Forever Fosters

Max Fund Fostering : Application

Dog and Wolfdog Calming Signals: Paw Lifts

Ethologists (animal behaviorists) believe calming signals are hardwired automatic responses, meaning they are not deliberate, but they are inherent tactics of self-preservation.

For example:

If something suddenly flies toward your face, you will flinch. There’s no thought involved.

So even though the signals are used to defuse arousal in another animal, it’s more like flinching.

Of all the calming signals, none provokes as much sympathy than the paw lift. The paw lift is also often misinterpreted as a cute gesture of affection, and sometimes it is, but I’ll get to that in a minute.

When used as a calming signal, the paw lift is usually accompanied by other signals, like head turning and licking. Phrases like, “Please don’t hurt me,” is how people describe it from the dog’s point of view.

Many dog owners get a “paw lift” signal during early encounters with their pups. They see it as cute and reinforce it by rewarding “paw” with food or praise, and it is cute. As long as the dog makes the switch between its use as a calming signal and its use as a treatable trick, there’s nothing wrong with it because most dogs do.

“Paw” can also be useful as a simple first step to communication with a new or timid dog. Dogs, especially when feral or poorly socialized don’t understand our human words and praise has meaning. By praising and rewarding this adorable automatic signal, the dog can put together “paw” treat, praise… communication.

Better yet, people respond positively when they do it. Shelter dogs really benefit from the “paw” gesture at adoption events.

Now, dog/human communication is not as simple as I described, but after working with feral and poorly socialized animals, one word seems to open many doors. I always think of Helen Keller’s revelation with the word… “water”… that one word opened the door to communication.

Pawing has other uses, like attention seeking, but there are obvious differences between batting you playfully to get attention and a cautious paw lift.

However as I always note, like any behavior, calming signals have the potential to become pathological in nature when they disrupt daily activities or effect health. Seek professional help or talk to your veterinarian if this is the case.

See the original article about calming signals here:

http://wolfermagic.blogspot.com/2013/08/dog-and-wolfdog-behavior-calming-signals.html

Dog and Wolfdog Calming Signals: Sniffing

Yes dogs sniff, but not all sniffing is for the aroma or for wolfdogs… the irresistible stink.

I have a calming signal sniffer though it took time to figure out what was going on.

During our daily hikes, my dog would be trotting happily along beside me, then BAM… she would come to a complete leg-locked halt and start sniffing.

Eventually, I began to see a pattern. We passed many people on the trail. Sometimes she would do her sniff thing other times not.
I still don’t know why some people send off a vibe that starts her sniffing, but I do know she only does this when a person or groups approaches us. For normal sniffs she moves along with me. She must sense something I don’t.

My fix was to use a treat to distract her from sniffing, use the command “let’s go” and trot past the trigger. I don’t need a treat anymore, just the command when I see her ears go into attention mode.

But sniffing as a calming signal makes perfect sense. You see a threat coming, so you pretend to do something that makes you look too busy to react.

Sniffing is a hard signal to identify because dogs do it all the time, but you can tell the difference between regular sniffing and a calming signal once you see a pattern, then it's important to identify the trigger, so you can relieve any distress.

However, like any behavior, calming signals have the potential to become pathological in nature when they disrupt daily activities or effect health. Seek professional help or talk to your veterinarian if this is the case.

Dog and Wolfdog Behavior: Calming Signals

Avoidance 
Sniffing 
Paw Lifts 
Slow Walk or Slowly Approaching
Yawning
Shaking It Off 

Calming signals are a form of communication between dogs. The signals are universal, and all dogs big and small will understand them. They are different from self-soothing behaviors that dogs use to calm themselves, like pacing.

Calming signals are used by a dog to calm another dog or group of dogs to avoid conflict.

Dogs will also use these same calming signals on humans. Unfortunately, people don’t always recognize or understand the signals. Failure to react to calming signals can cause conflict between a handler and dog or increase the anxiety of the dog.

For example:

There’s dog poo on the carpet, the owner calls his dog in anger. The dog tiptoes slowly toward the owner who is yelling at him. The dog sits a few feet away and turns his head away. This enrages the owner who thinks the dog has chosen to not listen to his rant.

Since the calming signals aren’t working, the dog may go into fight or flight mode when the owner goes to grab him.

Aside from the owner’s pointless rants and bad behavior, the owner didn’t know the dog’s slow walk and head turn were signals the dog used in hopes of calming his owner down.

While there are many calming signals, most dogs have a few they use regularly based on what has worked in the past.
 
Links to calming behaviors:

Avoidance 
Sniffing 
Paw Lifts 
Slow Walk or Slowly Approaching
Yawning
Shaking It Off

Responsible Ownership: Why You Should Never Buy From a Puppy Mill

Article by Megan Lindsay

A puppy mill is a dog breeding operation where profit is the main goal of the breeding program. Puppy mills do not care for the health or living conditions of their animals, nor do they care for the people who buy the animals. 

Many puppy mill dogs have hereditary defects, such as dental, eye, and limb problems and deformities. This is due to their disregard for the genetic health quality. Their dogs are kept in small, cramped, and unsanitary areas with little exercise, food, water, socialization, veterinary care, and love.

When most people see animals in deplorable conditions, being bred for profit and their health not being taken care of, they often want to "rescue" them via purchasing them from the breeder. 

While the intentions and hearts of these people are good, most often they do not realize that by purchasing a puppy from a puppy mill or a backyard breeder only gives money to the breeder and helps them stay in business. This "rescuing" of puppies causes the puppy mill business to advance and perpetuates more puppies to be produced in the same miserable conditions. So while these people are giving a good life to their one puppy, they opened up space at the puppy mill for more puppies to come in. 

The best way to put a puppy mill out of business is to never give it any business. Never buy a puppy from a puppy mill!

So what is the best way to save a life? Rescue! Go to your local animal shelter or find a breed specific rescue if you want a specific breed. When you adopt a dog from an animal shelter or rescue, you open up space for them to take in more animals who need homes. This way, not only are you opening your home and your heart to an animal in need, but you are also saving the next animal who comes in and takes the space of your companion.

Megan Lindsay is a volunteer at Howling Woods Farm, a breed specific shelter for domestic-bred wolves and wolfdogs. She devotes much of her free time to the socialization and training of homeless animals to make them better candidates for adoption. 

Dog and Wolfdog Behavior: Teeth Clatter, Chatter, Clacks

I've heard teeth chatter sounds from several high, low and no content wolfdogs. They all had one thing in common... excitement.

I don't recall any of the dogs using it aggressively towards humans, but have heard chatter begin when another dog approaches, so it may be some kind of a resource guarding warning.

I also have tried to find something, anything definitive about chatter, but everything I find seems to be debated. No true answers.

I don't wish to debate it here, but is anyone here familiar with chatters and clacks and what are your observations?

Here are some comments from Wolfer Magic Facebook about chatter, clatter, and clacks:

I've seen it in excited animals, I don't believe I've ever known it to be aggressive in nature, just highly excited/intense.

My pitbull does this all of the time and it's only when he's happy.

My nephew's husky does this very consistently - usually when she wants to play and no one else wants to play - in frustration, I guess. If you are sitting with her quietly, and you clack your teeth near her - she will immediately return the chatter and start to play with you.

Funny you mention this, my GSD chatters when he's getting ready for a walk.

Our Caesar, a low/mid Malamute male, chatters his teeth when he gets excited. I have to be careful when he's that excited and trying to lick my chin because sometimes, a little chin skin gets caught between his chattering teeth!!

Saving the Image of Wild Wolves and Domesticated Wolfdogs

Wolfdog owners are just as responsible for the image of wolfdogs as they are for the image of wild wolves.

The general public can't tell the difference, so when we don't have proper containment, or allow wolfdogs freedom to roam, or misrepresent unruly dogs with wolfish looks as wolfdogs, it looks bad for all.

Please, if you do not understand what constitutes responsible ownership, just ask. You will not be judged, just better informed. 

Click here for a fantastic article by Marcy Stamper Wolf-dogs get scrutiny along with wolves

"Half Moon" Eye... aka "Whale" Eye

The half-moon is defined by a large portion eye whites that accompanies a position known as avoidance, where the animal's head, and sometimes the body is turning away from a person, animal or object. The whites will resemble a crescent or half moon shape.

Half-moon eye is most often associated with stress, sometimes it is thought to be a precursor to a bite.

In either case, measures should be taken to alleviate the animal's stress before it is forced into a flight or flight response.

Wild-eye, Zoomies, and Testing

Someone asked me about the wild-eye being a predictor of testing in northern breeds. This is the best picture of the non-aggressive testing wild-eye I've ever seen.

Wild-eye (showing large portions of the whites of the eye) is often associated with aggression, but I also see it non-aggressively in northern breed pups, adolescents, and adults being brats right before the zoomies or testing behaviors.

I have not seen a wild-eyed expression in high content wolf-dogs.

For the zoomies (a brief period of run-around crazy bliss to expend excess energy), it's best to ignore it and let it run it's course, unless there is a danger to the pup or a person.

Get infants, children and the frail or elderly out of harm's way because a pup in zoomie mode will leap and bound over and on anything, including baby carriers and furniture.

Zoomies also usually happen around the same time each day. If you know your pup gets zoomies after dinner or before bedtime, take them outside to a safe place, like a fenced yard to let out the energy.

As for wild-eye before testing behaviors, this is a cue. Each behavior must be dealt with individually. I find redirection and some structure with a trick drill and rewards will end most testing behaviors.

Recovering from PTSD In The Company Of "Wolves"

My daughter, Sarah was a bullying victim suffering from PTSD with germ and social phobias. She loved animals, especially taking care of them, but her fears kept her out of school and away from people and animals.

I lost my smiling, outgoing little girl for many years. She was mute, frightened, and withdrawn.

What's shown in this video is just part of the work it took to get her back. I owe a lot to wolfers. They taught me so much about resilience, hope, and how to push my daughter without shoving her. I am forever grateful.

Sarah and I began volunteering at Howling woods Farm to socialize and train animals to make them better candidates for adoption. I also secretly hoped it would build Sarah's confidence, give her a sense of purpose, and help her combat the phobias.

Ishta, the dog in the film, was traumatized and depressed. She lost all trust in humans and was noticeably depressed at the beginning of the film.

The principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Resilience Building were used on Sarah while we worked with the wolfers. There were amazing results. Both Sarah and the animals benefited.

In this film, the Cognitive Behavioral methods called, flooding and desensitization help with Sarah's germ phobia. In the beginning, you can see her anxiety level is high because she was asked to sit on the dirt floor of a dog pen. Two weeks later she had no anxiety and sat right down in the pen.

After a year's absence, Sarah was able to return to school, sit at a desk, use public bathrooms, and more. Ishta recovered from her depression and was adopted.

Update: The trauma of being bullied for many years is hard to erase, but I am proud of Sarah. She's come such a long way. She graduated with her High School class, started college, and restored old friendships.

I love her, all the wolfers of HWF, and the community of animal lovers. You are all an inspiration.

Walk Away Smiles in Rain, and Run With the Wolves, is the true story of how the rescued wolf-dogs of Howling Woods Farm helped guide me through my daughter’s recovery from post traumatic stress disorder.

Breed Specific: The Game of Thrones Dire Wolf

By popular demand, a breeder in Oregon is creating a breed of dog they will call, the Dire Wolf.

The gigantic and loyal Dire Wolf of George R.R. Martin’s epic fantasy Game of Thrones has sparked much public interests in perhaps raising a dire wolf of one's own. Unfortunately,  dire wolves are extinct.

What about the relative of the
dire wolf... the wolf? Not a good idea.

Domestic-bred wolves are described by owners as unruly in manors and fearful, so they won't be useful in dire situations.

The same goes for wolf-dogs who are not as loyal as you might think, they are aloof to humans and independent, described as more cat like.

Neither is as large as the enhanced dire wolf, they get to be around 80-110 lbs.

But.. you may want to consider the the animals being bred to resemble the Game of  Thrones dire wolves, the Alsatian mix.

Please Note: THE "DIRE WOLF" Alastian mix dogs ARE NOT WOLFDOGS

From the Dire Wolf Project site: NO WOLF OR WOLF-DOG CROSS OF ANY PERCENTAGE.... OR DOG WITH RECENT ANCESTRY WILL BE USED TO CREATE DIRE "WOLVES"; that includes the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, the Saarloos Wolfhound, Alaskan Noble Companion Dog, Lupo Italiano, Kunming Wolfdog, and the Japanese Wolfdog.

More on the Dire Wolf Project

I Want A Wolf Like The One On Game of Thrones!

It's the next best thing since Disney made Dalmatians popular, introducing the Wolf Warrior!

But the giant loyal creatures in "The Game Of Thrones" series that threaten and kill enemies are not only enhanced, they are not wolves.

If you buy a domestic-bred wolf or wolfdog puppy thinking it will protect you, you will be disappointed. Real wolves and high content wolfdogs fear strangers and strange things, which makes them terrible watchdogs.

If you buy a domestic-bred wolf or wolfdog puppy thinking it will have a psychic bond with you, understand the only psychic bonds they form are with food. They will find food in your walls, under your floors, and anywhere else you don't want them to.

If you think buying a domestic bred wolf or wolfdog puppy will make you cool, you are mistaken. They will make you look like a frustrated fool who has no control over an animal.

Wolfdogs are great in the hands of very tolerant and understanding people who are willing to devote their entire lives to their animals.

In the wrong hands, they can be a disaster.

Please don't join the craze to own a wolf or wolfdog based on a TV show. 

But... there is a breed of dog that is being bred to look like the show's Direwolves that is big and cuddly called, the Dire Wolf. They do not have wolf in them but they look wolfy and lack the wolfyness.

Training: Recognising Testing Behaviors

Photo Naiche HWF by Lonewolf Photos

Like human toddlers and teens, young wolfdogs and northern breeds will test their limits, but testing behaviors can occur at any age in an animal’s lifetime when they are uncertain of their role and position around humans.

This is especially true in rescue when an adult animal has passed the transition period into his/her new environment with few restrictions or limits because... the animal was fearful, anxious, or was recovering from injury/illness.

When testing behaviors begin it’s a good signal that the animal is ready for more structured socialization activities. Structure also gives you an opportunity to assert your role as “the rewarder”.

It’s funny that human teens’ risk taking behaviors are driven by rewards, mainly social status. Wolfdogs may seek social status, but we have rewards wolfdogs hold in higher esteem… food. So, we win in the hierarchy by a nose, but it’s always best to be alert to testing cues, so we can curb the behaviors before they get out of control.

But know that not all of these behaviors are testing and may have dual roles as play or attention seeking.

Here are a few of the most common testing behaviors in wolfdogs and northern breeds:

Scent Marking

This is usually, but not always the first sign. It’s often presumed to be affection. Scent marking can be spontaneous or begin with a lovin’ session. I’ve had animals rub in the urine of a more dominant animal then rub it on me. There are a lot of theories about scent marking, but I don’t speak wolf so I’ll never be sure. Scent marking like this in a transition, in my experience leads to climbing, humping, and stalking problems.

Stalking

When a shy animal starts following on your heels then bolts when you turn, they are planning to see what you will do if they nip your butt or tug on your clothes.

Nipping

Rough play and mouthing in pups is not uncommon. Test nipping in older dogs begins with the small front teeth (incisors). An animal may start test nipping the residue in hands after a treat is given or on clothes in light tugs, allowing it to continue and thinking it’s cute is not a good idea.

If you have concerns about behavior and your breeder will not help (not uncommon), contact a rescue or wolfdog advocate group to find a trainer or get advice. Many dog trainers do not have the knowledge or experience to deal with wolfdogs.

Not covered here are other behaviors more common to northern breeds, like barking, the wild (whale) eye, and jumping.

Training: Alpha Rolling- Pinning- Dominance Displays

Wolfdog and Northern Breed pups happen to have a long period of immaturity that sometimes last up to three years or longer, much longer than the average dog.

All puppies go through a normal phase of jumping, nipping and testing. People who don’t know this stage will often think wolfdog pup play is the wild "wolf" side of the animal, and a sign of future aggression. Not so, the pups are learning and figuring out what gets them a reaction.

Pinning, scruff grabbing, and flailing your arms are not really negative reactions to them, so your “dominance” displays end up being reinforcers. A pup who nips and gets grabbed by the scruff might find this fun, since that’s how he plays with other pups.

And yes, dominant animals will pin pups, but we humans don’t have the rest of the facial (teeth and snarls) and verbal language (growls) to make a serious point.

Since they are trying to get you to react, it’s best to not give them a reaction. Give a firm, “No” and walk away from rough play or turn away from jumpers.

Personally, I’ve found preventative psychological dominance works best for me. This means structuring playtime and ending it on my terms before pup begins to overexcite and test you.

Note: If you have concerns and your breeder will not help (not uncommon), contact a rescue or wolfdog advocate group to find a trainer or get advice. Many dog trainers do not have the knowledge or experience to deal with wolfdogs.

Look For Blog Post: Cues that your young wolfdog is about to ” test “ you later.

So you know, the wolfdog above is very expressive and vocal in his play, no one was harmed in the taking of this picture:)

Wolves in Healing: Ancient Medical Treatments

by Kymberli Morris

Wolves have played many roles throughout history, but did you know they also played a role in many folk remedies?

For example, Pliny the Elder, a 1st Century Greek Scholar believed rubbing a baby’s gums with wolf teeth cured teething pain. In the 5th Century BC, Sextus Placitus thought the cure for insomnia was to place a wolf’s head beneath your pillow.

The Aztecs used wolf liver to treat melancholy (they also thought if they pricked themselves with a wolf tooth they could delay death).

In the Middle Ages, powdered wolf’s liver was thought to ease labor pains, the right forepaw of a wolf was tied around a sore throat to ease swelling and dried wolf meat was eaten to ease the pain of sore shins.

Aside from Pliny the Elder’s suggestion, absolutely none of the other remedies worked.