Managing Resource Guarding: A Guide to Peaceful Coexistence
Wolfdogs are captivating and unique animals that possess a mix of domestic dog and wild wolf characteristics. Their natural instincts and behaviours can present challenges when it comes to managing resource guarding. Resource guarding occurs when an animal perceives a particular item or space as valuable and reacts defensively to protect it. In this article, I will explore effective strategies to address and manage resource guarding behaviours in wolfdogs promoting a harmonious coexistence between humans and these fascinating creatures.
Thinking of Getting a Wolfdog?
With the popularity and access to wolfdogs ever increasing, more and more people are considering getting a wolfdog as a pet. In this article, I will discuss some of the essential things to consider in order to decide whether a wolfdog is right for you. Keep in mind, this is only scratching the surface of what information you need to know, but hopefully it can serve as a good starting point for prospective owners.
Wolfdog Misrepresentation
Wolfdog misrepresentation is an essential topic when it comes to wolfdog education, and it has major implications for wolfdog ownership.
In this article, we will discuss some critical aspects of wolfdog misrepresentation that one should know before obtaining a wolfdog.
How to find a Responsible Wolfdog Breeder
This article details what qualities to look for in a wolfdog breeder to ensure you are getting a well bred wolfdog while also supporting someone who is breeding wolfdogs ethically and responsibly.
Packs & Pairings
Creating pairings and packs of wolfdogs requires a lot of foresight, thought and matchmaking skills. In this article, I share some of the keys factors we must take into consideration when creating packs and pairings of wolfdogs.
Seasonal Aggression
Seasonal Aggression in wolfdogs is a seasonal change in behaviour that usually occurs during the colder winter months. It is caused by a shift in hormones which ultimately can alter the behaviours displayed in that animal. In order to properly manage this change in behaviour there are some key things that we must know.
Resource Guarding
Resource Guarding is a behaviour you should expect when owning a wolfdog. You might be one of the lucky ones and have a wolfdog that isn’t picky over resources, but if you own or are planning on owning a wolfdog with any significant amount of wolf content, expect to have to manage this behaviour. Note, I say MANAGE this behaviour. This is not something you are ever likely to ‘train’ out of your wolfdog. It becomes about building trust and boundaries with your wolfdog in order to live with this very interesting instinctual behaviour.
Veterinary Care
Veterinary care for wolfdogs can be a tricky thing depending on your wolfdog. Depending on how comfortable your wolfdog is with new people, new places, and strange things happening will largely dictate how simple or complicated veterinary care can be. We have some wolfdogs where veterinary care looks pretty similar to that of a domestic dog, while there are others that look more like dealing with wildlife.
Fearfulness
One of the biggest challenges I hear about and experience myself on a daily basis is fearfulness. Their instinctual timidness of new people and new places can be one of the hardest things to manage and one of the hardest things to overcome.
Diet and Nutrition
Wolfdogs require a specialized diet in order to remain happy and healthy! Compared to your average dog, wolfdogs can have some uniquely different dietary needs.
Containment
If there is one thing I preach over and over again it is proper containment. Without proper containment you WILL fail at wolfdog ownership.
Wolfdogs Indoors
Living with wolfdogs indoors will require a lot of dedication and your success is dependent on a few important factors.
The Importance of Trust and Respect
The single most important thing that you can do as a long term caregiver to a wolfdog is build a relationship based on trust and respect.
Why Socialization is Key
Wolfdog socialization essentially aims at reprogramming their thinking and teaching them the things they NEED to know to live amongst us humans.
Why Wolf Content Matters!
Wolf content is the biggest determining factor of what type of behaviour you can expect. Here is a deep dive into how wolf content affects behaviour and why it matters so much!