Can a wolf be trained and raised like a dog?

Answer 1

NO. Wolf cubs taken from wolf dens even as young as five days old will be quite fine until they're 8 weeks old, and then rapidly become quite wolf-like, independent, and difficult. Since they are among the strongest of the canines, like any other large breed of dog in terms of strength, speed, and power of biting jaws, with their uncooperative attitude, they can be extremely dangerous. It takes a minimum of eight generations of very careful selective breeding to create a domesticated animal from a wolf. Nova, 2010. However, since wolves prefer to avoid rather than cause trouble with humans, even owner-humans, they are not the most likely to bite -- being behind about five other dog breeds in likelihood of actual attack. But if they do, look out!

Another Answer

No. Not because they are "vicious" or "dangerous" either. That is a myth. Wolves do not make good pets because they are timid and afraid of humans by nature. They are very smart, but hard to train and are stubborn and ignore commands anyway. They require intense amounts of socialization. The biggest reason why people do not own wolves is because they need a 1600 sq ft enclosure with at least 8 foot high Fencing. Wolves cannot be in the house - they are extremely destructive and cannot be trained or disciplined other wise. So unless you don't mind losing all, and I mean ALL, of your furniture, torn up carpets, chewed up walls, and broken doors then I would not get a wolf.

Not to mention that it is illegal in the USA to have a pure wolf without being a sanctioned USDA approved facility. Also, there are no breeders in the USA who sell or breed REAL pure wolves. There is a big controversy over "wolf" and wolfdog breeders. Most "wolf" and wolfdog breeders that advertise wolves are actually selling (sometimes poorly bred) wolfy-looking dogs such as Huskies or German Shepherds or high percentage wolfdogs.

Another Answer

I wouldn't recommend a wolf. My cousin has two VERY destructive Huskies, which have gotten out the house several times, ignored orders, and bite. These are very closely related to wolves, which proves that wolves are even MORE difficult to train. But if you decide to get a wolf, (Good luck) I'd imagine that they'd probably get out of the house, harass other dogs, which may lead to possibly killing any cat, rabbit, and small dog in sight. You might want to consider a wolfdog hybrid. They are legal. However, it takes a lot of know-how to be able to fully own and train a wolfdog.

Edit: There are exceptions. As a 30+ year trainer of War Dogs (in combat), K9s, and Protection Dogs (and having the required permits to rehab or own) I've had 3 wolves (brought to me by people that tried to gas the entire den). I've also spent a full cycle with them in the wild, solitary in the mountains and I love the big guys. They are NOT DOGS and not suitable as pets unless everyone they daily encounter has a similar training background and you have appropriate facilities. Definitely not family pets. They instinctively respond differently and have to be trained and handled differently. Staring into their eyes around an evening fire (these were wild wolves I'd gotten to know) and you'll immediately notice a completely differently level of intelligence. Not more or less than say an alpha German Shepherd, but different.

That said, my edit is to advise NEVER to acquire a wolf/dog hybrid. They may be pretty, but, by nature, confused between constantly competing wild animal with it's prey instincts and domesticated pet. People breeding them are are out to make a buck with little consideration of the consequences. By definition, they will never be clear headed or well bred but always "hard animals" to handle and dangerous to an average person. Even if you understand them to a large degree.

Even my own German Shepherd War Dog, trained to do irreparable damage when "sent" after an enemy loves kids and puts up with them pulling on his ears, tail, trying to ride him, etc., enjoys them all and is trained to protect them if they are threatened. He also dominates the wolf in residence that I'm rehabilitating (to be released back to the wild in Yellowstone). Though normally fine, if triggered for whatever reason, an adult male @ 285-300 lbs stands little chance and I've had it try me, for reasons unknown (incident resolved without injury to either). The point being, DO NOT acquire one.

Answer 2

Yes they can but you must remember that a wolf and dogs are not the same and wolfs being wild can be unpredictable as well as dangerous!

Answer 3

yes but half the time they have to be new born pups to be trained.