Husky/Timberwolf mix

Question
I just read someone elses question and your answer...I loved it and would like to know if you could help me out with my new addition! My husband brought home a 3/4 Sibe/ 1/4 Timberwolf mixed breed. Her previous owner was going to have her put down because he just didn't want her anymore. I guess he didn't research the breed before spending money on one! Anyway... we live in an appartment and had no intentions of keeping her, we just thought what he was doing was cruel! But we have fallen in love with her.I went from NEVER wanting a dog to(like you)wanting to move to a climate more suitable for her! She is 1 year old and has already had a litter of puppies, she got pregnant on her first heat. What is the best way to train this breed of dogs and what can I expect from the timberwolf breed of her? Will the mixed breed affect the way I need to train her? Your website at snodogz.eongraphics.com is not working by the way.

Answer
Tonya,

I think you may have me mixed with someone else, as the website isn't mine, but I'll still be glad to help.  :)

First, most people that believe they have a wolf hybrid are mistaken.  Wolf hybrids are actually rare, and many people claim it at some point but are fortunately mistaken.  Now, if you do actually have one, I can provide some information, but they are a different animal.

My personal view on wolf-dog hybrids is that they are unpredictable at best, dangerous at worst.  There is conflicting reports/evidence/stories out there, but the best information that I have found is best put like this:

Dogs and wolves are genetically almost identical.  One important difference is a chemical that is released in wolves that prompts the fight or flight reflex common in most animals.  Basically, wolves stay away from direct human contact and keep to themselves.  In dogs, this chemical actually encourages human contact (not sure if it is a lack of the chemical, or a different one altogether).  In any case, dogs thrive with human interaction, and wolves run from it.  With hybrids, you have a problem of these two pulls constantly fighting at one another.  The wolf part discourages human interaction, the dog part wants it.  This can cause unpredictability in hybrids across the spectrum, and even within the individual dog.  Some hybrids can be great for years, others turn on a dime.

In any case, my best advice for training is consistent reinforcement.  I generally recommend against treat training, but depending on the dog, it may be necessary to start there.  Wolves can and have been trained, so if the dog does have a wolf part, you just have to be more careful and more controlled with it.  Basically, the more you assert yourself in charge and the more you shape the dog's behavior to reflect that, the better you are.  Start with the basics (loose lead walking, sit, down, stay, etc.) and just work her every day to get things moving forward.

For additional reading regarding hybrids, you may want to check out
http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/newsletters/v5n4/5n4wille.htm