Psychology between Dogs and Dog/Wolf Hybrids

It was this past Thursday that I met with some clients who came to me asking to help them with their dog/wolf hybrids (20% wolves). Yes, they have two of them, and no true knowledge about the breed, their needs, their psychologies and / or what to expect.  This is the third time that I was called to help owners with their wolf-hybrids.    

 The family acquired them from a, as I like to call them, “back-yard” breeder.  That’s someone who shouldn’t be breeding, as they breed for the sake of a few dollars and not “selective breading”. 

 So, the two 7 months old males are pretty much running the family’s home.  The hybrids started becoming more and more destructive, resource guarding, owner possessive, and independent. 

 I understand that it can be a great undertaking to have a dog-wolf hybrid, but please, do your research before you venture into this world.  It is not for the faint of heart.  And please acquire your hybrids from breeders that know what they’re doing and are doing this for the love of the breed and not the money. 

 I took the liberty of outlining some of the psychological differences between dogs and dog/wolf hybrids.  Their notable psychological differences are rooted in their distinct evolutionary backgrounds, even though they share genetic similarities. Here are some of the main psychological differences:

1. Social Behavior and Bonding:

• Dogs: Dogs evolved to live alongside humans and have a strong inclination to form bonds with people. They are highly social with humans and often seek human approval and companionship. Dogs readily adapt to social hierarchies within a human household and are more comfortable with prolonged interaction and eye contact with people.

• Wolf Hybrids: Wolf-dog hybrids tend to retain the more independent and cautious nature of wolves. They might bond with one or a few individuals but can remain wary or aloof around unfamiliar people. Their social structure and attachment are more complex and may not align with human expectations, making them less predictable in behavior.

2. Trainability and Learning:

• Dogs: Through domestication, dogs have become highly trainable and responsive to human cues. They have evolved to interpret human body language, facial expressions, and even certain verbal cues, which makes training them relatively straightforward compared to hybrids.

• Wolf Hybrids: Wolf-dog hybrids are often more challenging to train because they retain a greater degree of independence and may not respond to human commands as predictably. They might be less motivated by rewards that commonly work with dogs and may display behaviors that are more instinctual than learned.

3. Aggression and Territoriality:

• Dogs: Most dogs have a reduced sense of territoriality and are more adaptable to different environments, especially when socialized properly. They also tend to have lower aggression thresholds due to the selection for gentler temperaments over generations.

• Wolf Hybrids: Hybrids often have stronger territorial instincts and can be more prone to defensive aggression, especially in unfamiliar settings. Their instinctual behaviors can include strong prey drives, heightened reactivity, and a tendency to become anxious or aggressive in situations they perceive as threatening.

4. Fear and Reactivity:

• Dogs: Through selective breeding, many dogs have reduced fear responses compared to their wild ancestors. They are generally less reactive to stimuli that would normally alarm wild animals, such as loud noises or busy urban environments.

• Wolf Hybrids: Wolf hybrids may retain heightened senses of fear and reactivity. This can make them more sensitive to loud sounds, sudden movements, or unfamiliar environments, potentially leading to stress-related behaviors or aggression if they feel cornered.

5. Pack Structure and Independence:

• Dogs: Dogs tend to adapt to human-led pack structures, where they often look to their owners for leadership and guidance. They’re more dependent on humans and accustomed to structured routines.

• Wolf Hybrids: Hybrids have a stronger sense of independence and may not naturally accept a human’s leadership in the same way. They can be more challenging to manage, as they may assert their own hierarchy, potentially leading to behavior that’s harder to control.

6. Play and Exploration:

• Dogs: Play behavior is highly prominent in dogs, often lasting into adulthood. Dogs are more likely to engage in play with humans and other animals, and this playfulness is part of their social and training adaptability.

• Wolf Hybrids: While hybrids can also play, they may do so in a more restrained or specific manner, often displaying behaviors that reflect their wild instincts, like stalking or predatory play. Their play can sometimes be rougher or more intense.

 In general, wolf hybrids require highly experienced handling, specialized environments, and an understanding of their unique needs and instincts. Their psychological makeup makes them less predictable and more reactive, and they are not as suited to typical domesticated life as dogs.