How to Teach a Pet Wolf Tricks

By eHow Pets Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Take into consideration the things that make a wolf a wolf. Wolves are not domestic animals, and so it is not recommended that they are kept captive unless they are born into it. By the time a wolf reaches 2 weeks old, the training or "socialization" process should be started. Teach the pups early on that humans are natural to their surroundings.
Step 2:
Train only when using a leash or within a restricted area. Even with being raised in captivity around humans, they will never lose their wild instincts.
Step 3:
Do all training in small amounts. Wolves tend to get bored easily. While a dog might not have any problem doing the same tricks over and over, a wolf is bound to do one a few times and then want to move on to something else. It doesn't mean they won't learn tricks, it just means they need to learn in small amounts.
Step 4:
Give treats only when tricks have been performed. Treats are helpful as a guide for leading them in the right direction. By tricking them into following the treat, they quickly learn that doing that action would be beneficial to them.
Step 5:
Teach your wolf to jump through a hoop. Have someone hold the hoop between them and the treat that you are holding, forcing them to go through in order to reach what they want. After doing this a few times, they should start to get the idea that going through the hoop is directly related to them getting the treat, and so the hoop could be moved into an indirect position with hopefully the same result. Keep in mind though, that this won't last long before you either need to end training or move on to something else to keep the wolf from becoming bored.
Step 6:
Use treats to teach the wolf a signal that tells them they are done, or that there aren't any more treats. A possible action could be to wave your empty hands in front of them after having given them a treat for a trick, so that they see there is nothing more for them to eat. In the future this will also be a helpful tool to teach them not to beg, as they will see that you don't have anything for them and move on.

Tips & Warnings

Treats don't always have to be food related. Wolves tend to like toys or pretty much anything that they can fit in their mouths.
Wolves don't respond well to commands like dogs do.
Don't use negative reinforcement methods. Hitting or shouting angrily at a wolf will only scare it or make it hostile.

More Puppy Pages

How to Teach a Dog Tricks

Dogs are man's best friend, and they wish to please us. This can mean behaving and doing what they are asked to do. "Sit" and "stay" are good for well-behaved dogs, but tricks like "shake," "roll over" and "play dead" are also fun.

Rottweilers are big, strong, powerful dogs that really are great family pets. Because of their strength and size it's important to start training early and to socialize early. Improperly trained or handled, a Rotti can become a threat to you and your...

African Grey Parrots are highly intelligent birds, who, when properly trained, make wonderful pets. Training is not a difficult process, but it does take time and consistency to assure your bird is learning and progressing properly.

Whoever said you can't teach an old dog new tricks must not have had the small amount of patience required for basic training. There is no reason why you cannot train a 2-year-old dog to do many of the same things that you can train a puppy to do. The...

Austin is one of the best cities to have a dog. There are dog-friendly restaurants and stores, incredible dog parks and hiking trails, and tons of swimming holes where Fido can doggie paddle away. But, these activities are only fun for you and everyone...