Wolf-Dog Help
When trying to find a home for any homeless animal, the first step is to get photos. Photos say so much and get attention. Second, you need to tell us about the disposition of the animal: is it social around people, dogs, women, men, kids, cats, etc. We also will need to know where the animals are located: city, county, and state.
Each week at Mission:Wolf, we receive several requests to accommodate another homeless wolf or wolf-dog. Even though we continue to enlarge our facility, our hands are full with the 25-35 residents we currently look after. M:W may accept young pups, less than four months old, that are able to be introduced into one of our existing packs. Mature wolves have little chance of being accepted by our wolves. Most likely it will injure one of our residents or be injured or possibly be killed by them. Here are some helpful considerations that we've offered to people experiencing problems keeping their wolves/wolf-dogs, as well as a few contacts.
Mission:Wolf is reserved for wolves that have little or no chance of accepting life with people and prefer lots of space and privacy. M:W offers help to anyone that is interested in understanding canine behavior and/or improving facility construction and design so that animals are not euthanized or restrained by a chain. If your wolf is strongly bonded with you and timid around new people, it may be next to impossible for it to ever accept another person as its pack-mate. If your animal is not timid or aggressive around new people or other animals, you may have a candidate that will accept a new home. Most issues that cause pet wolves/wolf-dogs to lose their home is due to behavior and facility construction.
This information is presented with the intention that it may provide assistance to people dealing with wolf-dogs or captive wolves. In most situations the animal and owners have reached a point of no return: a decision has been made that the animal must go. If the animal exhibits dog like tendencies, it may be suitable to find it a new home. If the animal exhibits shy, wolf like tendencies, it will not easily bond to new owners; it may therefore be more humane to destroy the animal now than subject it to a life always waiting for its original pack-mate to return.
In some situations the problems experienced may be easily overcome with a little help in understanding wolf behavior and communication. Chances are that the animal is expressing its frustrations by chewing, biting, howling, pacing and escaping repeatedly. In most cases, human changes in dealing with the animal’s behavior or habitat may produce a happier animal and assure it a home.
HOW WE CAN HELP
Although we do not have space for your animal at this time, we would like to do what we can with our knowledge and experience to help you. If you are interested in working to figure out a way to keep your animal for it's life, we can offer you behavioral advice and facility design and construction techniques. Send us an email outlining specific issues that your wolf or wolf-dog is having, and we will respond with our knowledge in wolf behavior. We have found that most problems stem from a wolf that needs either a larger enclosure, a canine companion, or a more secure fence. We have a lot of experience in building fences, and we would be happy to discuss techniques in fence building with you (please see Appendix A below). However, the best way for us to assist you is for you to visit the refuge personally. This allows us to discuss in full each individual situation and illustrate techniques from wolf/wolf-dog communication to fence building.
WHAT CAN YOU DO
The only answer is to take responsibility. The creature will more likely be happier with you if you give it understanding and have patience. First make sure it has a good pen. This includes enough space for them to run around, shade from the sun, and a place for them to retreat to. Get him/her a companion; a puppy malamute or husky would be best. Keep them in their pen so they don't crave to get out. Learn as much as you can about wolf-dogs/wolves so you understand them better. If you feel none of this is possible take responsibility and have your pet euthanize. Euthanasia is the only responsible and sadly common practice that ends this tragic cycle. The only difference between euthanizing the animal at the outset and waiting until later is a lot of stress and suffering on the animal and the animal’s family. To those of you who have found yourself stuck in a similar position, we feel for you and the frustration you must endure. It has become a daily drive at Mission: Wolf to find an alternative to this mess.
WHAT DO WOLF-DOGS DO TO LOSE THEIR HOME ?
Most wolf-dog owners have experienced the following within two years:
Inside a house a little pup can be very cute until the pup is about three months old. In the wild the pup would be ranging well over twenty acres daily. Confined to a house the pup becomes responsible for trashed furniture, shredded carpets and curtains, and lots of other messes. At four months old the pup finally makes it on top of the kitchen counters and the term “wolfing down your food” comes to life as the kitchen pantry is raided. As attempts are made to relocate the pup to the floor owners soon discover that you never take food away from a wild animal-at least not without paying the consequences.
Eventually the exploration of the backyard becomes a boring daily ritual and each time the animal is let back in the house a new sense of exploration becomes full out warfare on the families personal belongings. When the pup starts marking (peeing on the couches...) the house purposely, most house-breaking attempts turn into dominance struggles. Confined to the backyard it is only time until trees, shrubs and plants are destroyed along with all unprotected garden hoses and furniture. Play time becomes a roughhousing experience that leaves welts, scratches, and bruises. Children are no longer able to endure these rough-house sessions. A very frustrated animal now howls uncontrollably, paces relentlessly and starts to escape repeatedly.
These are all related to frustration the wolf-dog/wolf feels because it is not understood properly. Owners often treat them as a dog rather than the wild independent creature that it is. The frustration can come from lack of companionship or a pack; after all they are family oriented creatures. Another reason can be lack of space; a wild wolf needs 10,000 acres of land each, so putting a wolf-dog/wolf in a 100x100 foot enclosure is like putting a small child into a closet. They deal with confinement about as well as we do - poorly, so anything smaller like a cage or chain is enough to make them go nuts.
Another reason could be that the "wolf rules of life" are violated to satisfy the master. This includes violations of food, territory and mates. Any object inside a wild animal’s mouth is considered a valuable possession. Try to remove it and the animal may bite as a means of protecting its life or food. Wolf-dogs/wolves have a natural instinct to protect their territory, mate, and/or pack so when you go in and out of their enclosure, approach their mate, take them out if they are sick or need attention, and please realize these actions are not part of their rules so you can leave them feeling confused and frustrated.
In many cases it is the owner’s inability to understand basic wolf communication. Many let the young pups free run on weekends and think they are being kind and helping the animal. In reality, all it does is tease the animal; as soon as it is put back in a cage or on a chain the animal paces, digs, chews and does anything it can to get loose again. If the animal is successfully contained it waits daily for a chance to free run again. This just encourages them to try and escape.
WHAT YOUR OPTIONS ARE
Finding your pet a new home is the first idea that most people have. If your animal is outgoing and not afraid of people like a dog, then finding them a new home might not be a problem. Make certain the one requirement of anyone taking them is they must have a secure fenced-in area and another canine companion. If your wolf-dog is shy or scared of people, this is an indication that it's a higher percentage wolf. Wolves bond as puppies with their first human owners and rarely bond with people after that, so it is next to impossible to introduce them to a new home. The same problem will occur if you try to introduce a mature wolf to a socialized wolf pack: it often results in an injured wolf handler and/or injured and occasionally dead wolves. It's drive to escape and return to it's original home is unnerving as it chews, digs, jumps and paces incessantly and the result is either it is returned to the owners, shot, euthanize by current owners, or it escapes and is dead within 48 hours from being shot or run over.
SETTING YOUR WOLF-DOG/WOLF FREE
This is probably the most dangerous, irresponsible and potentially cruel thing that can happen to most wolves or wolf-dogs. Several components are necessary for a wild animal, especially a top predator like a wolf to simply survive and feed itself. First it must possess an unrelenting fear of humans. Captive wolves almost always associate humans with food and when released to the wild they seek out humans. This usually results in a gun shot. Secondly, captive wolves are unskilled hunters. If something runs away they will chase it; if it is bigger and stands its ground they may test it and receive a fatal kick to the head. If the animal charges, the wolf may run in fear. Starvation at this point is now a matter of time. The weaker the animal the bolder it becomes as it seeks food in any shape or form. Domestic animals now become prey. Livestock and pets become vulnerable. If the animal succeeds in preying on livestock, it may be shot. Now the livestock community uses this experience to negatively combat wild wolf recovery. If the animal eats a child's pet (say the neighbor's cat) the whole neighborhood is affected as the media flaunts the issue. If a dog did the same it would be of little concern. Lastly, there is public danger. If this frightened, starved and sick predator ends up in a conflict with a person or child resulting in injury the animal is immediately killed and a "red riding hood" paranoia sweeps the area - all due to a single irresponsible owner.
IN CONCLUSION
This tragic but real life scenario can teach us much-if we only listen. Immediately, it becomes obvious that even under the most ideal circumstances wild animals belong in the wilderness-not in cages. Yet as you read this there exist over 250,000 captive wolves and hybrids in the United States alone. Compared to the estimated 4,500 wild wolves total in all the lower 48 states combined, it dramatically illustrates the effect our culture has had on this predator. 80% of those captive, part wild canines will die this year only to be replaced by an even greater number of puppies for sale next year.
With this in mind, if you haven’t already, please spay or vasectomy the animal. Don’t knowingly contribute to the growing surplus of unwanted wolf-dogs. Remember that we are here to help both you and the animals and will be happy to respond to emails (info@missionwolf.com) or, even better, to receive a visit from you at the refuge where you can visit with the resident wolves and wolf-dogs and see first-hand the enclosures and requirements necessary to keep our animals healthy and happy.
MISSION: WOLF, PO BOX 1211, WESTCLIFFE, CO. 81252
APPENDIX A:
RECOMMENDED MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR SAFE AND HUMANE CONTAINMENT OF CAPTIVE WOLF-DOGS/WOLVES
FENCING:
Enclosures of comfortable size for the animals and of sufficient strength to prevent escape must exist; this includes pups. The following are intended to be minimums; it is suggested that these minimums be strictly enforced.
ENCLOSURES:
AREA: A single wild wolf's territory is about 10,000 acres. Captive wolves need at least a fourth of an acre (100' x 100'). Enclosures should be enlarged an additional quarter acre for each added animal.
HEIGHT:
Chain link fencing should adjoin the ground and extend upwards a minimum of six feet with a two foot extension of lighter weight fence at the top. Overall fence height must be a minimum of eight feet (8'). It is suggested that an electric wire be strung at the top of the fence on the inside of the enclosure to stop jumpers and climbers.
STRENGTH:
All primary fence and gates should be of - 9 gauge, 2" square, and 6’ tall chain link (8’ chain link fence is preferred).
GROUND BARRIERS:
Concrete with reinforced mesh should extend two feet vertical into the ground and be attached to the base of the chain link to prevent animals from digging out. In place of concrete, a ground mesh four feet wide may be attached at the base of the chain link lying flat on the ground and extend into the enclosure. Logs, rocks, and soil (2"-6" deep) should be placed on top of the mesh to act as weight and prevent injury to feet of animals.
GATES:
All entrances and exits must have double gates and be at least six feet tall. Latches must be secure and lockable.
PERIMETER FENCE:
A secondary fence at least five feet tall and five feet away from the primary fence must surround the enclosure. This is to prevent people and animals from physically contacting the primary enclosure.
DRAINAGE:
The enclosure must provide adequate drainage to allow animals to find dry ground in wet conditions
APPENDIX B:
OTHER WOLF-DOG/WOLF REFUGES AND ORGANIZATIONS
Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary
HC 61 Box 28
Ramah, NM 87321
(505) 775-3304
http://wildspiritwolfsanctuary.org/
Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center
(719) 748-8683
http://www.wolfeducation.org/
W.O.L.F
P.O. Box 1544
La Porte, CO 80535-1544
970-416-9531
http://www.wolfsanctuary.net/
Heart of the Wolf Organization www.heartofthewolf.org
Heart of the Wolf Organization is dedicated to getting humans to live peacefully with wolves, as well as finding homes for wolf-dogs.
Each week at Mission:Wolf, we receive several requests to accommodate another homeless wolf or wolf-dog. Even though we continue to enlarge our facility, our hands are full with the 25-35 residents we currently look after. M:W may accept young pups, less than four months old, that are able to be introduced into one of our existing packs. Mature wolves have little chance of being accepted by our wolves. Most likely it will injure one of our residents or be injured or possibly be killed by them. Here are some helpful considerations that we've offered to people experiencing problems keeping their wolves/wolf-dogs, as well as a few contacts.
Mission:Wolf is reserved for wolves that have little or no chance of accepting life with people and prefer lots of space and privacy. M:W offers help to anyone that is interested in understanding canine behavior and/or improving facility construction and design so that animals are not euthanized or restrained by a chain. If your wolf is strongly bonded with you and timid around new people, it may be next to impossible for it to ever accept another person as its pack-mate. If your animal is not timid or aggressive around new people or other animals, you may have a candidate that will accept a new home. Most issues that cause pet wolves/wolf-dogs to lose their home is due to behavior and facility construction.
This information is presented with the intention that it may provide assistance to people dealing with wolf-dogs or captive wolves. In most situations the animal and owners have reached a point of no return: a decision has been made that the animal must go. If the animal exhibits dog like tendencies, it may be suitable to find it a new home. If the animal exhibits shy, wolf like tendencies, it will not easily bond to new owners; it may therefore be more humane to destroy the animal now than subject it to a life always waiting for its original pack-mate to return.
In some situations the problems experienced may be easily overcome with a little help in understanding wolf behavior and communication. Chances are that the animal is expressing its frustrations by chewing, biting, howling, pacing and escaping repeatedly. In most cases, human changes in dealing with the animal’s behavior or habitat may produce a happier animal and assure it a home.
HOW WE CAN HELP
Although we do not have space for your animal at this time, we would like to do what we can with our knowledge and experience to help you. If you are interested in working to figure out a way to keep your animal for it's life, we can offer you behavioral advice and facility design and construction techniques. Send us an email outlining specific issues that your wolf or wolf-dog is having, and we will respond with our knowledge in wolf behavior. We have found that most problems stem from a wolf that needs either a larger enclosure, a canine companion, or a more secure fence. We have a lot of experience in building fences, and we would be happy to discuss techniques in fence building with you (please see Appendix A below). However, the best way for us to assist you is for you to visit the refuge personally. This allows us to discuss in full each individual situation and illustrate techniques from wolf/wolf-dog communication to fence building.
WHAT CAN YOU DO
The only answer is to take responsibility. The creature will more likely be happier with you if you give it understanding and have patience. First make sure it has a good pen. This includes enough space for them to run around, shade from the sun, and a place for them to retreat to. Get him/her a companion; a puppy malamute or husky would be best. Keep them in their pen so they don't crave to get out. Learn as much as you can about wolf-dogs/wolves so you understand them better. If you feel none of this is possible take responsibility and have your pet euthanize. Euthanasia is the only responsible and sadly common practice that ends this tragic cycle. The only difference between euthanizing the animal at the outset and waiting until later is a lot of stress and suffering on the animal and the animal’s family. To those of you who have found yourself stuck in a similar position, we feel for you and the frustration you must endure. It has become a daily drive at Mission: Wolf to find an alternative to this mess.
WHAT DO WOLF-DOGS DO TO LOSE THEIR HOME ?
Most wolf-dog owners have experienced the following within two years:
Inside a house a little pup can be very cute until the pup is about three months old. In the wild the pup would be ranging well over twenty acres daily. Confined to a house the pup becomes responsible for trashed furniture, shredded carpets and curtains, and lots of other messes. At four months old the pup finally makes it on top of the kitchen counters and the term “wolfing down your food” comes to life as the kitchen pantry is raided. As attempts are made to relocate the pup to the floor owners soon discover that you never take food away from a wild animal-at least not without paying the consequences.
Eventually the exploration of the backyard becomes a boring daily ritual and each time the animal is let back in the house a new sense of exploration becomes full out warfare on the families personal belongings. When the pup starts marking (peeing on the couches...) the house purposely, most house-breaking attempts turn into dominance struggles. Confined to the backyard it is only time until trees, shrubs and plants are destroyed along with all unprotected garden hoses and furniture. Play time becomes a roughhousing experience that leaves welts, scratches, and bruises. Children are no longer able to endure these rough-house sessions. A very frustrated animal now howls uncontrollably, paces relentlessly and starts to escape repeatedly.
These are all related to frustration the wolf-dog/wolf feels because it is not understood properly. Owners often treat them as a dog rather than the wild independent creature that it is. The frustration can come from lack of companionship or a pack; after all they are family oriented creatures. Another reason can be lack of space; a wild wolf needs 10,000 acres of land each, so putting a wolf-dog/wolf in a 100x100 foot enclosure is like putting a small child into a closet. They deal with confinement about as well as we do - poorly, so anything smaller like a cage or chain is enough to make them go nuts.
Another reason could be that the "wolf rules of life" are violated to satisfy the master. This includes violations of food, territory and mates. Any object inside a wild animal’s mouth is considered a valuable possession. Try to remove it and the animal may bite as a means of protecting its life or food. Wolf-dogs/wolves have a natural instinct to protect their territory, mate, and/or pack so when you go in and out of their enclosure, approach their mate, take them out if they are sick or need attention, and please realize these actions are not part of their rules so you can leave them feeling confused and frustrated.
In many cases it is the owner’s inability to understand basic wolf communication. Many let the young pups free run on weekends and think they are being kind and helping the animal. In reality, all it does is tease the animal; as soon as it is put back in a cage or on a chain the animal paces, digs, chews and does anything it can to get loose again. If the animal is successfully contained it waits daily for a chance to free run again. This just encourages them to try and escape.
WHAT YOUR OPTIONS ARE
Finding your pet a new home is the first idea that most people have. If your animal is outgoing and not afraid of people like a dog, then finding them a new home might not be a problem. Make certain the one requirement of anyone taking them is they must have a secure fenced-in area and another canine companion. If your wolf-dog is shy or scared of people, this is an indication that it's a higher percentage wolf. Wolves bond as puppies with their first human owners and rarely bond with people after that, so it is next to impossible to introduce them to a new home. The same problem will occur if you try to introduce a mature wolf to a socialized wolf pack: it often results in an injured wolf handler and/or injured and occasionally dead wolves. It's drive to escape and return to it's original home is unnerving as it chews, digs, jumps and paces incessantly and the result is either it is returned to the owners, shot, euthanize by current owners, or it escapes and is dead within 48 hours from being shot or run over.
SETTING YOUR WOLF-DOG/WOLF FREE
This is probably the most dangerous, irresponsible and potentially cruel thing that can happen to most wolves or wolf-dogs. Several components are necessary for a wild animal, especially a top predator like a wolf to simply survive and feed itself. First it must possess an unrelenting fear of humans. Captive wolves almost always associate humans with food and when released to the wild they seek out humans. This usually results in a gun shot. Secondly, captive wolves are unskilled hunters. If something runs away they will chase it; if it is bigger and stands its ground they may test it and receive a fatal kick to the head. If the animal charges, the wolf may run in fear. Starvation at this point is now a matter of time. The weaker the animal the bolder it becomes as it seeks food in any shape or form. Domestic animals now become prey. Livestock and pets become vulnerable. If the animal succeeds in preying on livestock, it may be shot. Now the livestock community uses this experience to negatively combat wild wolf recovery. If the animal eats a child's pet (say the neighbor's cat) the whole neighborhood is affected as the media flaunts the issue. If a dog did the same it would be of little concern. Lastly, there is public danger. If this frightened, starved and sick predator ends up in a conflict with a person or child resulting in injury the animal is immediately killed and a "red riding hood" paranoia sweeps the area - all due to a single irresponsible owner.
IN CONCLUSION
This tragic but real life scenario can teach us much-if we only listen. Immediately, it becomes obvious that even under the most ideal circumstances wild animals belong in the wilderness-not in cages. Yet as you read this there exist over 250,000 captive wolves and hybrids in the United States alone. Compared to the estimated 4,500 wild wolves total in all the lower 48 states combined, it dramatically illustrates the effect our culture has had on this predator. 80% of those captive, part wild canines will die this year only to be replaced by an even greater number of puppies for sale next year.
With this in mind, if you haven’t already, please spay or vasectomy the animal. Don’t knowingly contribute to the growing surplus of unwanted wolf-dogs. Remember that we are here to help both you and the animals and will be happy to respond to emails (info@missionwolf.com) or, even better, to receive a visit from you at the refuge where you can visit with the resident wolves and wolf-dogs and see first-hand the enclosures and requirements necessary to keep our animals healthy and happy.
MISSION: WOLF, PO BOX 1211, WESTCLIFFE, CO. 81252
APPENDIX A:
RECOMMENDED MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR SAFE AND HUMANE CONTAINMENT OF CAPTIVE WOLF-DOGS/WOLVES
FENCING:
Enclosures of comfortable size for the animals and of sufficient strength to prevent escape must exist; this includes pups. The following are intended to be minimums; it is suggested that these minimums be strictly enforced.
ENCLOSURES:
AREA: A single wild wolf's territory is about 10,000 acres. Captive wolves need at least a fourth of an acre (100' x 100'). Enclosures should be enlarged an additional quarter acre for each added animal.
HEIGHT:
Chain link fencing should adjoin the ground and extend upwards a minimum of six feet with a two foot extension of lighter weight fence at the top. Overall fence height must be a minimum of eight feet (8'). It is suggested that an electric wire be strung at the top of the fence on the inside of the enclosure to stop jumpers and climbers.
STRENGTH:
All primary fence and gates should be of - 9 gauge, 2" square, and 6’ tall chain link (8’ chain link fence is preferred).
GROUND BARRIERS:
Concrete with reinforced mesh should extend two feet vertical into the ground and be attached to the base of the chain link to prevent animals from digging out. In place of concrete, a ground mesh four feet wide may be attached at the base of the chain link lying flat on the ground and extend into the enclosure. Logs, rocks, and soil (2"-6" deep) should be placed on top of the mesh to act as weight and prevent injury to feet of animals.
GATES:
All entrances and exits must have double gates and be at least six feet tall. Latches must be secure and lockable.
PERIMETER FENCE:
A secondary fence at least five feet tall and five feet away from the primary fence must surround the enclosure. This is to prevent people and animals from physically contacting the primary enclosure.
DRAINAGE:
The enclosure must provide adequate drainage to allow animals to find dry ground in wet conditions
APPENDIX B:
OTHER WOLF-DOG/WOLF REFUGES AND ORGANIZATIONS
Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary
HC 61 Box 28
Ramah, NM 87321
(505) 775-3304
http://wildspiritwolfsanctuary.org/
Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center
(719) 748-8683
http://www.wolfeducation.org/
W.O.L.F
P.O. Box 1544
La Porte, CO 80535-1544
970-416-9531
http://www.wolfsanctuary.net/
Heart of the Wolf Organization www.heartofthewolf.org
Heart of the Wolf Organization is dedicated to getting humans to live peacefully with wolves, as well as finding homes for wolf-dogs.