08-24-2011 at 3:01 PM

Agreeing with everything Geist said. Not to mention if this wolf/wolf-hybrid gets out of control and "too mean", he might just end up locked in a backyard 24/7 with no interaction [I've seen this happen with dogs. The owner had told me her pit bull was "mean" and would bite me. I went out to see it in the yard and it was just incredibly bored, untrained and excitable. But it was a dog and not a wolf.]

08-24-2011 at 1:14 PM

The fact that you used your experience with dogs initially to say that you can handle a wolf hybrid confirms, to me, that you can't handle one of these animals.<br /> <br /> A wolf is not a dog. A wolf hybrid does not act like a dog. When I lived for a while in another state, I used to spend every day around an F1 wolf hybrid. I loved him, but he didn't react to a single thing I did the way a dog would. He definitely did not play like a dog. He outweighed me, and if I wasn't really careful when playing, he could have knocked me down and cracked my skull open or could have easily torn out my throat. When you play with an adult wolf hybrid, you need to wear a heavy coat because this animal is going to grab you with its crushingly strong jaws and shake you like a ragdoll. You're going to go through a lot of coats. And if you don't wear one? You're going to go through a lot of stitches and casts. And you always run the risk of it grabbing your neck or face when you get knocked down on accident. And the best part? This animal -needs- to play, just like any other canine.<br /> <br /> This is just <i>playing.</i> Imagine what this thing could do to you if it suddenly decided it wanted the alpha position. And if you're already this angry at other people <i>on the internet</i> criticizing you, you have no chance keeping your cool with a wolf hybrid.<br /> <br /> Stop thinking about yourself and think about the animal. Please. So many wolf hybrids get dumped in shelters and rescues anyway. You are probably not going to be able to control it, and ether you, someone else, or another animal is going to get hurt, and the hybrid will likely end up being dumped.<br /> <br /> Please, just get a regular dog from a shelter. You don't need a special, unique animal, and there are so many homeless dogs.

08-21-2011 at 7:39 PM

DarkKitten, I have linked videos/articles on wolfdog/wolf-hybrid behaviour and why you shouldn't get one as a pet. It would benefit you to read them. They're a page back or so

08-18-2011 at 7:16 PM

<i>If Im experienced with Wild animals, (Which I am, Since my grandmother has raccoons, Squirrels, And a Wild dog) Then what difference is it with a wolf hybrid.</i><br /> <br /> From the way you are talking you do not sound like you have had to care for these sort of animals for any length of time. I already stated a while back that I do own a wolf hybrid and reasons NOT to get one. Let me just point out raccoons are NOTHING like wolves/hybrids/huskies. I have experience in raising both. A raccoon while it can get big enough to hurt you, won't be big enough to kill you. Also, its not going to kill your other pets, not like a large canine has the potential to do.<br /> <br /> To be honest your reasoning for wanting a hybrid is blatantly because you think they are cool, something to brag about. I keep my hybrid hush hush in real life. People like to poison, shoot, torture and generally kill wolf hybrids and coyote hybrids for no reason other than the fact that your dog is related to wild animals. <br /> <br /> Seriously, my husky is more friendly and buddy buddy with me and my family than my hybrid. My hybrid would rather sleep in his crate/den all day unless I have food. He is very well behaved, but that took years of understanding and training. <br /> <br /> IMO all the problem dogs I've fostered have been much easier to train than one hybrid. And I've had dogs with issues ranging from fear aggression, to food aggression to down right doesn't listen. Get a dog that looks like a wolf if you just want something that looks cool. Utonagans were bred from domestic dogs specifically to give the owner the look of owning a wolf but the ease of training a dog. There are plenty of wolf looking breeds out there to choose from that I see no need to get a hybrid. <br /> <br /> Hybrids are not loving animals. They are not your loyal companion. They are not a dog. They act like a wild animal, and are way harder to train than a dog. Hybrids don't give a crap about pleasing you, dogs do. Dogs crave your approval. Hybrids are stubborn. Think of some one you've been so angry at for not seeing something obvious you could punch them. That's what it feels like trying to train a hybrid compared to a dog. It's pure frustration.<br /> <br /> <br /> I already posted about how much you will need to fix your fence for a husky or hybrid. Case and point, I just spent the last 3 hours repairing and improving on my fence, its a continual thing. I've had my hybrid and husky for 6 years, and I make fence repairs at least four times every year and must do weekly checks of the entire back yard to ensure they are not finding a new way to break out. It's not fun, it doesn't pay and it involves a lot of manual labor and money. So far this year has cost $230 on the fence alone. This doesn't include any other bills for them [food, vet, toys, treats, ect..] These kind of animals are expensive to maintain. Rather, I have two small terriers that have almost no cost to keep in comparison.

08-18-2011 at 5:57 PM

I agree with the other two. Also if someone believes in one of those blood myths for any animal. I'd doubt their knowledge in animal behavior. (Not trying to sound rude, but I'm not going to sugarcoat.)

08-18-2011 at 3:45 PM

I don't understand what you're saying, and I don't think anyone else here does, either. What are you on about "blood issues"? And you can stop yelling. You're getting mad because players who have actual experience (and yes, I am doubting ALL of your claims) are telling you straight up it's a bad idea. And it is. <br /> <br /> I'm sorry it's not the answer you want. That's life. You sound twelve years old max, just judging based on your reactions. You're not old enough, and probably neither physically nor mentally strong enough for a hybrid. <br /> <br /> "Ok, heres the thing. You have seen people raising BEARS, TIGERS, Wolves, PANDAS, And Other animals when they are young."<br /> <br /> That doesn't make it right OR safe. "Well, they're doing it, so why can't I?!?!!" logic is highly flawed. Lots of people do meth. That doesn't make it safe.<br /> <br /> Most of these people also have permits. Which you do not have, and probably are not eligible to gain at your age.<br /> <br /> I'd love to have a bear. However, I know I do not have the time, room, experience or money to keep one. So I won't. <br /> <br /> "If Im experienced with Wild animals, (Which I am, Since my grandmother has raccoons, Squirrels, And a Wild dog) "<br /> <br /> Lol. Sorry, but raccoons and squirrels are not what I consider "wild" animals, and holding a squirrel does not make you capable of controlling a <i>wolf</i> or even a hybrid. <br /> <br /> I own sugar gliders. That doesn't mean I'm ready for an elephant. <br /> <br /> <br /> And why is it that you and your relatives suddenly gain misc. related animals as people suggest you can't handle this...?

08-18-2011 at 3:37 PM

I don't get what the big thing about blood is..?<br /> <br /> And people raise these animal but not as pets. The fact that you are considering a dog OR a hybrid, means you want a pet, not a wild animal. There is a reason you don't see normal people walking tiger, bears or wolves down a city street.<br /> <br /> Everyone is just trying to let you know what you are getting into. This isn't something you can just decided 'just because', or 'they look cool'. It is a ton of work for you and your family. Especially when the hybrid will never return those feelings or thank you for all the hard work. <br /> <br /> Plus, if you get in over your head, it's your life on the line. An uncontrollable hybrid is a loaded gun for you, your family, visitors, pets ect. <br /> If you work with it for a year, then the shine wears off, it is full grown, and you don't like it any more? It's a big responsibility, a ton more than just a dog.<br /> <br />

08-18-2011 at 3:24 PM

Ok, heres the thing. You have seen people raising BEARS, TIGERS, Wolves, PANDAS, And Other animals when they are young. If Im experienced with Wild animals, (Which I am, Since my grandmother has raccoons, Squirrels, And a Wild dog) Then what difference is it with a wolf hybrid. And Wolf hybrids DONT have a problem with blood. But Since my grandmother, mother, and grandpa have had Two wolves, wolf pups, And all the wild animals they have now, Whats the difference in having one with me? Ive had a Lot of experience, and considering the factor of age, What is the big problem? <br /> <br /> BLOOD IS NOT AN ISSUE WITH WOLF HYBRIDS. Just to get it clear.

08-18-2011 at 9:19 AM

Issues with blood?.... And there isn't such thing as a "dominant personality"<br /> <br /> Edit: <br /> <br /> Someone might have already said this, but Wolves do not reply on people. Dogs have become domesticated over the process of many many years. They rely on people, scientists think that's why they developed a bark. They take note to human hand gestures, etc. But Wolves do not, and just crossing them with dogs isn't going to fix it.<br /> <br /> Dogs Decoded would be a good one to watch, they have a part where they raise wolf pups from a few days old.

08-17-2011 at 1:49 PM

Ok, Look, I KNOW how to be dominant. AND wolf HYBRIDS have no issue with blood. Unlike FULL blood wolves.

08-16-2011 at 10:02 PM

The click is used to mark a behavior. It's like telling a kid "That's what you did right" <br /> <br /> When the dog hears the marker (for example mine is verbal "yes!") it means what he did that exact moment was right.<br /> <br /> And she used the lazer light as a reward. Do this, and you get to chase it sort of thing

08-16-2011 at 9:59 PM

..Wat. How?!?!?! Hahaha<br>& I don't understand the clicker training or how she used a trainer. What does the dog gain/benefit from hearing a click or seeing a light?

08-16-2011 at 9:01 PM

I know! I was laughing so hard it hurt. xD <br /> <br /> Sadly there is a local trainer I was talking to the other day. And I brought up how my friend taught her deaf dog to do a bark and hold (yes, her deaf dog does Schutzhund!) by using a lazer light for a reward. <br /> <br /> The trainer said "Wow, she's really dumb. That dog is dominating her."

08-16-2011 at 8:55 PM

Celestial, that link has always made me laugh, especially the "dog dominant over light" part.

08-16-2011 at 8:42 PM

If anyone is interested in truly understanding dominance I'd recommend reading this. It's written by someone who actually went to school to study these things.<br /> <br /> http://drsophiayin.com/philosophy/dominance/<br /> <br /> <br /> Also a wolf hybrid from a breeder = backyard breeder. If you do end up getting one, go to a rescue.<br /> But I'd never recommend a wolf hybrid to someone who hasn't studied animal behavior.<br /> <br /> Now! If you want a dog that truly looked like a wolf, look into Tamaskans. <br /> <a href="http://longlivepuppies.com/PicturesDogs/Tamaskan4.jpg">Picture</a>

08-16-2011 at 8:21 PM

<i>"The dog I get will be submissive to me. And it makes it easier to train because wolves listen to the alpha."</i><br>That isn't how it works. You can't say "I'm dominant" and the dog listens to you, you [and everybody else your wolf-hybrid interacts with] has to be dominant. If you slip up <b>once</b> that dog is going to use it to his advantage. How do unruly, dominant, rude dogs behave? They bite. One bite from a "half-wolf" and say R.I.P, doggy. Wolves do not listen to the alpha like a snap of your fingers, they need to be shown who is the alpha/dominant one. Wolves and wolf-dogs are not submissive, obedient, loyal animals, they do not want to listen to humans and you can't expect to say "I'm alpha" like you're cesar milan or something and the wolf will sit there with it's tail wagging. It doesn't work like that.<br><br>I've spoken to people who own wolf-dog hybrids and they can back me up on this. Wolf-dogs/wolves/wolf-hybrids are not like dogs. You cannot raise them like you would a GSD and expect it to work out.<br><br><a href=http://netpet.batw.net/articles/Wolf.article.html rel=nofollow>[LINK]</a>

08-16-2011 at 6:49 PM

Ok, I am NOT a one time dog owner. I Have handled og sitting, owning, walking, and pretty much anything else. I Have experience with dogs, I know it takes training, and I have a dominant personality, so The dog I get will be submissive to me. And it makes it easier to train because wolves listen to the alpha.

08-16-2011 at 6:22 PM

<i>"I highly suggest any "sporting" breed dogs because they are driven to please, for the most part."</i><br>Why? Unless DarkKitten is willing to put the time, effort and exercise into owning a sporting breed, that's not the right decision in my opinion. The very first breed that comes to mind when you say "sporting breed" is Springer Spaniel. Springer Spaniels are not house dogs, they need to run.<br>Horseman, spitz are primitive breeds like husky and you'd run into the same stubbornness with them as you would a Sibe.

08-16-2011 at 3:56 PM

I did a quick search and came up with several breeds that somewhat resemble wolves that are much more appropriate for owners who can't handle a husky or wolfdog:<br /> <a href="http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/norwegianelkhound.htm">Norwegian Elkhound</a>(has a very wolfey pattern)<br /> <a href="http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/americanindiandog.htm">American Indian Dog</a><br /> <a href="http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/keeshond.htm">Keeshound</a>(I've heard a lot of good feedback about these)<br /> <a href="http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/samoyed.htm">Samoyed</a><br /> <br /> The only one that isn't on the larger side is the Norwegian Elkhound

08-16-2011 at 11:28 AM

I say no to a wolf-hybrid for many of the same reasons that were already said - I also say some of the things said are false, dogs "bred for.." whatever is kind of false. You don't have to use a dog for what it's "bred for". If you can take your dog to agility or another canine sport you can manage a high energy breed. You don't have to stick with what they were "bred for" to make this happen, though.<br /> <br /> However, if you want a dog that will sit around the house and go for walks, I suggest finding a breed of that temperament. I had English Setters, they come in a small and large variety, I had both, and both of them were awesome dogs. They were content with exercise around the home - walks, running around the yard, playing, etc. That's the only largeish breed I've had, and they are very beautiful and very nice family pets :3<br /> <br /> After working at a shelter for so long I will say you should NOT jump into a husky just because you like the way it looks. Time and time again I see huskies come in because the previous owner couldn't manage them; for example, one kept running away from home, it would tear up fences and the owners just got tired of it and turned her over to the shelter. I've never owned a husky, but since I see them ALL the time in the shelter due to behavioral problems they are not a breed for just anyone. They are for someone who knows dogs very well and can put up with a stubborn dog. <br /> <br /> I highly suggest any "sporting" breed dogs because they are driven to please, for the most part. Of course every breed of dog has its exceptions and rarely are you ever going to find a dog that fits EXACTLY to its breed, but based on personal experience sporting breeds are the easiest ones to work with. Even within sporting breeds though they are VERY intelligent and need obedience work routinely to keep them from getting bored.