SAVE LIVES with Lake Tahoe Wolf Rescue

Wolfdogs bond very strongly with their families. When their lives are disrupted, it may take a long time with lots of love and patience to form new bonds and rebuild their trust in humans. Please be aware that your new animal will probably need lots of daily exercise and behavioral training - but just as important - calmness and patience from you and everyone in your household. By adopting from Lake Tahoe Wolf Rescue, you agree that you will provide this.

Some or all of these requirements are not only for wolfdogs but also for most northern-breed dogs. It depends on the needs of the animal you are interested in.

Wolfdogs are high maintenance due to their unique instincts. We prefer persons who have stability in their jobs and their place of residence. It is preferred that you are over 30 years of age and own your home, and not about to move within the next 6 months. We have found that persons who rent or are under 30 years of age are more likely to move or change lifestyle and/or work schedules. Ideally, we look for adopters who are at home much of the day — i.e. work from home, retired — to give the animal the special care and attention it needs. These are not animals that should be left home alone all day — or more than 3-4  hours — while you go to work. They need daily exercise, discipline, boundaries, and lots of interaction. They can become destructive if left home alone, even for short periods of time. Wolfdogs and many northern breeds get stressed if crated or kenneled. It's ok crating for sleeping at nighttime and only if needed and the dog is trained properly.

Exercise needs to be given often and daily. Depending on the age and physical health of the wolfdog, two walks — 45 minutes to an hour each walk/hike — twice daily are recommended if the dog is in good condition. More strenuous hikes are fine for the young, healthy wolfdogs but we advise against having them run alongside mountain bikes or joggers for long periods of time. This can cause stress-related injuries to their joints. It's better if they can stop and smell the roses and enjoy the intoxicating scents of the wilderness. Wolfdogs are animals have a lot of energy and intelligence. They need to get daily exercise as well as emotional stimulation or they can start having behavior problems. A tired dog is a well-behaved dog! Older dogs don't need as much exercise but are more relaxed and happier if they can get out for a few short walks a day. Remember not to overwork your young pup either. Dogs under 3 years old are still growing and too much exertion can cause injury to their spine and joints. They can also overheat which can lead to organ damage. Be gentle on Senior dogs as overexercising can result in inflammation which can exacerbate arthritis and inflammation. More frequent short [and less strenuous] walks are so much more beneficial for seniors or dogs rehabilitating from an injury. You want to respect the physical nature of your companion yet give them the enrichment they need.

     Try to avoid having your dog jump in and out of your vehicle, especially if it is high. Jumping out is just as injurious to their shoulders as jumping in is to their hind quarters.

We do not place our wolfdogs into homes with children and here's why ... Some wolfdogs are exceptional with children, yet others are not. Even the more sociable wolfdogs do not do well around children because kids have a tendency to want to hug them and give them too much of the wrong [excited] type of attention. Many northern-breed dogs do not like to have a person's face in their face, and may react with a warning growl, nip or snap. This is not considered aggressive behavior — remember, dogs talk with their teeth! They are trying to say "back off and give me space!" or "Don't do that!" All northern breeds like a calm and structured household. Children will always be children. They tend to run around, yell, play loud TV/games, fight, etc. This makes wolfdogs very nervous, and when they bite someone, they are often sent to the shelter. It's not their fault because parents cannot supervise 24/7. Children are also the cause of most dogs escaping from doors and gates left open. Chocolate and candy with xylitol left on the floor can be toxic . . . so many reasons we are careful about placement.

A select few wolfdogs are good around small dogs and cats — most are not. Some are fine with the ones they grew up with but may not be with a new small companion. Wolfdogs have high prey drives and chase small things that run and squeal. Even with dogs that are playful, the smaller animal can get stomped on or injured. Chickens and prey-type animals like rabbits, ferrets etc. are ruled out completely unless they are in secure pens.

Wolfdogs require a highly nutritious diet of mostly raw meat, a small amount of pureed veggies and if the dog doesn't tolerate raw, cooked meat. Many Wolfdogs will not eat or do well on kibble [dry food] which is mostly filler and can be toxic from being produced with high heat. ALWAYS add vitamin supplements, probiotics, fish oils and digestive enzymes to a home-cooked diet. See Feeding Your Canine under Resources.

Some of our adoptable wolfdogs are well-behaved and trained, and others are not. Wolfdogs that have been abandoned or abused may be fearful / anxious or have eating disorders. It does not mean they will always be this way, and many blossom into wonderful, well-balanced companions when placed with patient and experienced owners. But it takes time — sometimes months, sometimes a year. We evaluate each animal to ensure that the placement is suited to the adopter's experience level, but if people misrepresent their experience, it could mean failure and the dog winding up in a shelter. We need to be certain that wolfdogs that are unsocialized, have behavior issues or eating disorders will be rehabilitated by placing them with experienced adopters. Commitment for a trial period should be at least 6-8 weeks.