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!