How to Take Care of Wolf Hybrid Puppies

Wolf hybrid puppies require considerable care. It's a huge responsibility raising and caring for any wild or partly-wild animal, particularly if it will grow up to have the potential strength of a wolf-dog. Remember, no amount of taming will ever turn a wolf hybrid into a domesticated dog. A part of it will always be wild, and that can result in dangerous and destructive behaviors, nervousness, fear and restlessness. Even the most gentle wolf hybrid can become aggressive without warning in situations that would not bother a typical domestic dog. Wolf sanctuaries and wolf-dog rescues are full of pets that didn't work out.

Things You'll Need

Crate
Collar
Leash
Toys
Training treats

Instructions

- 1
  Take your wolf hybrid puppy to the veterinarian as soon as you adopt it. Wolf hybrids are susceptible to the same diseases as dogs, including rabies and distemper, and will need the same vaccinations, worming and other vet care. Neuter your wolfdog puppy as early as the veterinarian says it is safe. Neutering, especially at the earliest age, helps prevent health and behavior problems, such as hormone-related cancers and aggression.
- 2
  
  Wolf hybrid puppies will never be fully domesticated.
  
  Socialize your wolf hybrid puppy. It is critical to socialize any fully domesticated dog to prevent fearfulness, aggression and other behavior problems. The wolf hybrid puppy is half wild, and even more prone to those types of issues. Expose your puppy continually to as many positive experiences with people and other animals as you possibly can. Avoid unpleasant or frightening experiences, particularly before the puppy is 12 weeks old.
- 3
  
  Cute wolf-hybrid puppies grow up to be half-wild animals.
  
  Implement the "Nothing in Life Is Free" program as soon as your wolf-dog puppy arrives in your home. The program requires that your puppy earn all rewards, including attention, petting, treats and food. It is a gentle, non-confrontational method of achieving dominance over your wolf-dog. Wolves, as wild animals, do not have any particular desire to please. They must have a reason to obey, such as to earn food or attention.
- 4
  
  Obedience training classes are a must.
  
  Train your wolf hybrid puppy using a gentle, positive method. Harsh methods and force will only increase behavior problems and cause aggressive attitudes. Enroll your puppy in puppy kindergarten classes, and then obedience classes.
- 5
  Feed your wolf hybrid puppy a high-quality commercial dog food, according to your veterinarian's instructions. Avoid dog food brands that claim ultra-high levels of protein and fat. Provide fresh water at all times.
- 6
  Crate-train your wolf-dog puppy from the beginning. The crate will keep the puppy safe and out of mischief when you can't supervise closely. It also provides a den, so the pup has its own space. Crate training is helpful for potty training, as well as general housetraining. Wolf hybrids are often more difficult to potty train and more destructive than dogs.
- 7
  Exercise your wolf hybrid puppy daily. Exercise is essential, and must be vigorous as the puppy matures. A bored, frustrated wolf hybrid with pent-up energy is going to take its frustration out in inappropriate ways, which could be anything from destroying walls, furniture and doors to being generally aggressive. Provide on- and off-leash exercise every day.
- 8
  Teach your puppy bite inhibition. Wolves and dogs learn the effects of their bite from playing with their littermates and mother. When a littermate cries, the puppy learns the strength of bite that hurts. But people are hurt easier than other dogs or wolves, so it's important to continue your pup's education, by crying and stopping the game whenever your pup mouths you.
- 9
  Teach your wolf hybrid puppy to allow handling on all parts of its body, for grooming, bathing and medical care. It will need regular bathing, brushing, nail trimming and veterinary care for life, and it has to be accustomed to all of it at an early age.