Cheyenne's Howl

Printed in Mountain Messenger on Friday August 15, 1997

Wolf/Dog Ownership

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I have now visited with over 3500 people in the last year, and after meeting with me, many ask questions about where to get a wolfdog. Fortunately, most who ask this question are also concerned about the responsibility that they might be taking on. In the next couple of weeks I would like to share with you some information on breeders of wolfdogs and how to be a responsible wolfdog owner. A lot of this information comes from an organization known as the United States American Wolfdog Association, a not for profit group based out of Williamstown, New Jersey. If you would like to get additional information from them, contact me and I will give you their address and phone number.

If you decide to get yourself a companion animal, whether it is a goldfish or a horse, a poodle or a wolfdog, a snake or a bird, it is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. The addition of an animal into your home is not the same as getting just another possession. A pet becomes another member of the family and should be treated as such. You are taking on a long term commitment to feed, house, and love this animal. Training, socialization, and proper veterinary care are also required. I must admit that I have seen a few cases where some pet owners actually take better care of their animals than they do their own kids.

Now let's get back to wolfdog ownership, or in other words, a wolfdog who now allows his new companion people to take responsibility for his care and many of his wants and needs. First let me state that given the same proper breeding, upbringing, care, and training as any other member of the canine family, a wolfdog will respond to humans much the same as any other large dog. However, in the case of a high percentage wolfdog you may have additional conditioning and socialization requirements to get the animal over his fear of strangers. Remember, we wolves survived as long as we have because we are naturally cautious. If we have an owner who has taken the time to research our behavior and our physical requirements, then there is little concern about potential problems. Problems arise with wolves and/or wolfdogs, and in fact with any other canine or other companion animal, when you have irresponsible people owning them. I recommend that no pet be brought home on the spur of the moment and for those of you with inflated egos, don't get any companion animal at all. You can't even take care of yourself, let alone take proper care of a pet.

As I said before, the key to a successful relationship with a wolf or wolfdog is with a responsible owner. This owner has researched the animal and its behavior. He has taken the time to learn about his future companion and has prepared a facility to suit the needs of the animal. This owner is prepared to spend the time and money necessary to keep us in the manner in which we are accustomed. Believe me when I tell you that we wolves and wolfdogs aren't cheap to keep. We have expensive taste and are proud of it. Next week I will continue with more on responsible ownership. Hope you all are having a great Summer.

Cheyenne