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Advice on helping a rescued 'wolfdog' adjust to new home

   
Tehya

I'm as stubborn- as I am- beautiful.		 
 
Barked: Tue Sep 30, '08 7:56pm PST 
Tehya has just been rescued in the past few weeks and is having a few issues adjusting to her new home. She doesn't want to have much contact with humans, men in particular, and doesn't like to be told what to do - like 'come' - even when using treats as a 'reward'. When she's on a leash, she is almost perfect, yet still won't let a stranger near her. When she's running loose in the yard, she's not so perfect. We know it will take some time for Tehya to adjust, but were looking for any ideas on things to try to help make the transition easier. We have another mix that has been with us since she was 5 weeks old, and other than digging in the yard and chewing up the occasional shoe (or couch or picnic table) have not had problems with her. Anyway .... if you have any pointers that might help Tehya adjust, I'm all ears!
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Ra (Taken- too Early &- Missed S

806655
 
 
Barked: Tue Feb 17, '09 8:49pm PST 
This is an old post but I bet others run into this situation and would like to see this answered.

I foster rescue wolves and had Isis & Ra of course. (I'm writing as a human cuz Isis & Ra both, tragically died and I haven't made pages for my new adoptees yet). I foster wolves for a rescue organization and I can tell you that it is totally normal for w/d (wolf-dogs) to be fearful of men and probably that won't change for sometime. We think it is because they are larger and louder and 'alpha'. I just rehomed a girl that we had for 3 months who, after 3 months of me being with her and 4 other dogs for 16 hours a day still didn't come close enough for me to grab her collar when I called. She DID come and close enough to get a treat or let me touch her nose but not grab.

Part of wolf survival instinct is to be skittish. It is fairly normal in a w/d that was left with the litter or just not socialized by humans until after the 12th week of life. It's very difficult to reverse this but please keep trying. Don't give up on her. She may be a one person dog for the most part when you are done with her but the rewards will be huge.

The best thing I've found is to do like the dog training monks do. Tie a rope around your waist and 6' of rope with the dog on the other end (ok, you can use a leash or gentle lead) and go about your day. Doing this for as long as you can every day will show you rapid results and is the fastest way I found to create a bond. Be sure to spend some of that time brushing and talking gently to her and crooning over her but just getting her used to the fact that you are 'pack' and will be hanging out together all the time will make a big impact.

I wish you luck. Plan on a 6 month commitment, if you are in a rush you will be disappointed.

Sue
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