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.