A chained canine can become territorial and therefore dangerous. Wolves are shy by nature and will usually run or hide when given the chance. However, when chained, they are unable to flee and will have no recourse but to fear bite or attack if cornered. Each year, a large number of dog attacks are related to chained animals.

Animal behaviorist, Doug Kirk states that "Dogs are more likely to cause injury to an intruder when chained than when not chained. All animals have both a flight distance and a fight distance. These are two concentric circles that surround all creatures - humans included. When an intruder approaches the first defense mechanism of a dog is for the dog to run away (the flight distance triggers this.) If the dog cannot flee and the intruder comes closer, entering the fight distance, then the dog will turn and defend through aggressive means.

The best way to prevent death and injury from dogs is to not chain them. We all agree that for social purposes we need to keep control of our dogs, either on leash when we are present, or in a kennel or fenced enclosure. But, chaining a dog sets up a situation that increases the danger to an intruder. The answer is to educate people - both owners and non-owners.

Another thing kids do to increase their injury from a dog is they run past the dog and run away from the dog. This triggers a chase behavior (in the wild it is chase and kill - that's how they get dinner). Again, educate people so that they know how to behave around dogs."

Why shouldn't I keep my wolfdog on a chain or aerial cable run?

It should be noted that a wolfdog has the ability to dig dens, pull up shrubs, small trees, and eat the lawn furniture. If you are particular about your yard, then you definitely need a separate containment area.

The Pen:

Often, new owners are unaware of the type of pens necessary to properly contain a wolfdog. Like many northern breeds, wolfdogs can be escape artists. Proper containment is an issue faced by both new and experienced wolfdog owners alike.

Owners find that pens that easily held other dogs may not be adequate to hold a wolfdog or northern breed dog. Some will jump a six foot fence, while others are proficient at climbing over the top of the fence. Therefore it is often necessary to add lean-ins to the top of existing fencing. Wooden privacy fencing often has to be replaced with chain link because wolfdogs will eat the boards out of the fence. Those who have used the light-gauged chain link have had to replace fencing because their animals either bit through or pulled the wiring apart.

Almost all canids will dig, a wolfdog will really excel at this pass time and dig holes several feet deep and then tunnel to form a den. This particular characteristic allows them to easily dig under a fence. Therefore, most owners find it necessary to attach ground wire to the bottom of their pen.

Wolfdog owners often consider running an electric fence inside of their existing fencing a necessity. An electric wire run about 8 inches inside of regular fencing and about a foot above the ground will discourage digging and/or biting of existing fencing. A second electrical wire attached to the lean-ins on top of the pen helps to discourage wolfdogs from climbing out. Electrical fence chargers designed for cattle seem to be the preferred choice by most wolfdog owners. The chargers designed for dogs usually are not effective for wolfdogs.

Your pen should also have locks or clips on the gates. Wolfdogs are very intelligent and will simply open the gate rather than expending the energy to climb over or dig under the fence.

What type of fencing (containment system / enclosure) do I need to keep a wolfdog in?

Wolfdog Containment Solutions

Dig Proof Enclosure

Containment

Containment for the Canine Houdini (pdf)

What is proper containment?

Pen Enrichment:

Proper containment should include more than an escape proof pen.  One should also have interesting things within the area to keep your animal entertained.  If they have things to do inside their containment area, they will probably be less likely to try and escape.

Below is a list of suggestions written by Roland and Lauren of Pacific Canine Corps.  Their website is found at http://www.sardogs.com

"I will qualify my list by saying: make sure that any enrichment is safe for your individual dog--no inappropriate pieces getting eaten or places to catch legs or toes, etc. And of course enrichment is no substitute for a good social life with tons of interaction and training. Enrichment is an addition for those times when you cannot be entertaining them yourself! I know you know that, just seemed worth reiterating :) Here are some things I have had success with:

° Kong stuffed with chicken, cheese or peanut butter (Stick a Nylabone in the end to make it last longer)
° A fountain that sprays for five minute after dog presses large button
° Chicken broth giant ice cubes
° Buster cube
° Large hard Plaque attacker (observe for the first few days make sure no large pieces are being removed and eaten)
° Hanging tire
° Hanging tug toy from a rope attached up high to a rubber spring (be careful that your animal is not spending too much time up on rear putting strain on cruciates--hang so they can tug on all fours)
° Bones
° Crickets
° A solid container with a screw on lid that has food inside
° Different surfaces-- bark,sand,rock,grass,astroturf,metal,tile,etc.
° A button to press that plays a song
° A wind chime hung high
° Some little mirrors hung high that will make lights move around as they blow in the wind
° Tunnel
° Sounds-- sometimes play stereo or TV, sometimes sounds of nature or dog shows
° Smells-- sometimes spray a new cologne at the base of a tree or other object in run
° Shallow water to play in
° Visual barriers
° Boomer balls
° A slide
° Hole to dig in
° Nylabones slathered in cream cheese
° Do not feed in the morning and hide food around run (bury some and put some up high, etc.)
° New foods- broccoli, bananas, a few grapes, etc.
° Big branches or old dead tree
° Beam or plank to walk on
° Big wooden box with sliding openings leading to food
° Buy or build toys with sliding doors that have to be moved to get to food (Like tic tac toe)
° Build device that requires several steps to get food-- pull one lever than go to other side of run and pull another and get treat
° Vertical levels-- build platforms at different heights and with ramps and steps.
° CHANGE-- move stuff around, add stuff, take things out, etc."

Adequate shelter from the elements should also be included.  However, one shouldn't be surprised to see their wolfdog laying beside or on top of the dog house during a snow storm.   Swimming pools or tubs for them to cool off in is also  recommended for summer use.

Wolfdogs as House Companions

Even though one may intend to keep a wolfdog as a house companion, it is a good idea to have some sort of outside containment.  Often times,  wolfdogs prefer living outdoors rather than being a house companion.  Some wolfdogs cannot be left unattended in the house. A wolfdog left unattended can become bored and create its own form of entertainment.

That entertainment usually will revert to natural tendencies which are to chew and dig. An unattended wolfdog has the ability to reek havoc in a very short time. For instance, a new puppy may chew the leg off of a chair, eat your couch, destroy all plant life, and then dig a hole in the waterbed within an hour's time. Some wolfdogs have been know to eat holes through walls. Therefore, one should be prepared to either crate train your animal or have some other sort of proper containment for the times when you must be away from home.