Your wolf hybrid is not a monster

Dear Val,

We have had a terrible accident on our home with a guests’ dog. My aunt was visiting and I explained to her that she should keep her dogs separate from mine until we can properly introduce them. I heard screaming in the backyard to discover my aunt had let her small dog loose in my dog’s play yard and my wolf-hybrid dog had her dog by the neck. The injuries were significant but the dog survived and was released with several stitches to her neck. My aunt is very unhappy with me at this time and I am trying to explain to her that my dog is not a bad dog but she has what is called a natural prey drive and I did request she keep her dog in. I feel just horrible about this and it is important to me that my aunt doesn’t think of my dog as a cold-blooded killer. Is there something that you can say as a professional that might help her understand how dogs think and act that will help us to try and live together cohesively for a while?

Dear responsible exotic pet owner,

Well this is a super unfortunate accident and I hope the Shi-tzu has a full and speedy recovery.

This is also a multi faceted situation with many areas that could be addressed at length.

Wolves and hybrids as pets, animal integration, assisting people in the learning process of animal behavior, safety management for containing prey driven animals and more. Lets focus on your main concern, which is the fact that you don’t want your aunt to think your wolf hybrid is a monster.

I have addressed this in the form of a letter and I will apply it here.

I am very sorry to hear this happened to your little dog. Some people routinely think that all household pets should be able to get along under everyday casual conditions and this is not always the case.

Many people choose to live with exotic animals that require more specialized care and management. And that’s ok. And for the most part, the people that own the animals understand the potential to the animals’ behaviors and manage them properly to keep all other animals and people safe. Wolves, hybrids as well as domesticated dogs can possibly impose harm to another person or animal. It is up to the animal owner to make strong attempts at socializing and exposing these animals to the best of the caretakers’ abilities. It is also important to provide for education to others, proper fencing, housing, signs and safety measures to keep people and animals safe from the animals potential innate and instinctive driven behaviors. One of these behaviors is called a prey drive or a predatory drive. The instinct to chase and capture prey is most like what happened here. This drive is not only found in wild animals, but also many companion animals we share our homes and lives with.

I believe your Niece has put forth great efforts to socialize and manage her wolf hybrid. She has proven that it can nicely cohabitate with several other dogs in the same household and she is in hopes that through this small article of information you will have a greater understanding and possibly learn to like and or respect her pet. I understand that there have been new fences and management tools that have put into place and a watchful eye will always be offered in the direction of all animals cohabitating here at all times. On that note, please stay safe and be aware of your surroundings with your dog. I am sending all the best wishes for a speedy recovery of your beloved pet and peace to all creatures that roam this earth.

If you have a question about training or behavior, please email me at Happylablady77@yahoo.com

Make it a Pawsitive Day!

Wdas of Wisdo,

“A dog is one of the few things in life that is exactly what it seems.”