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Tony's Wolfdog Behavior & Management Project
At The Autonomous Canine Academy:
In the world of dog enthusiasts, a distinct group is dedicated to owning wolfdogs. These individuals, similar to fans of designer dog breeds like Schnoodles and Puggles, are passionate about wolves. Due to the legal restrictions on owning wolves, these breeders have devised various breeding techniques to manipulate what they term as "content." A high-content Wolfdog closely resembles a wolf, whereas one with low content appears more dog-like.
The practice of breeding in the Wolfdog community is not bound to the same laws intended to safeguard wildlife. A Wolfdog with high content may be up to 90% wolf, however, even wild wolves today aren't completely pure.
Dr. Malgorzata Pilot of the School of Life Sciences notes: "Although hybridization hasn't eroded the genetic uniqueness of wolf populations, many wild wolves across Eurasia possess a minor fraction of dog-derived genetic variants, creating confusion over defining 'pure wolves' genetically."
Wolfdogs with high content are highly valued in the community, and managing them is seen with considerable respect. Influencers in the field often recommend that newcomers start with low-content wolfdogs, gradually progressing to more wolf-like breeds. This approach can result in owning a range of wolfdogs, each displaying vastly different behaviors. The knowledge gained from raising a low-content wolfdog usually doesn't translate to the fundamental care required for a wild animal.
The training guidance available in the Wolfdog community is often inconsistent and sometimes dangerous. It's a peculiar mix of amateur wildlife management and piecemeal, makeshift training techniques. Insufficient skills in handling wildlife lead to many wolfdogs being confined in overly small spaces, with the unrealistic expectation of them behaving like domestic pets. Harsh training methods, more suited for animals with strong personalities, are wrongly applied to the more timid natures of many Wolfdogs, causing severe behavioral issues.
Is the situation as dire as it seems?
Unfortunately, it's even worse. However, there are a few dedicated rescue workers making significant strides in educating about Wolfdogs. Among them, John Grove of Lupine Grove Wolfdog Education Center and Tony Nila from the WolfdogBehaviorist.com and Autonomous Canine Academy stand out for their impactful work in the community.
Discussing issues within the Wolfdog community, it's striking to observe Tony and John’s grasp of freedom and the importance for animals to have self-expression. Their perception of freedom lies at the heart of the Neuro-Nurture Program in dog training, a key factor in the success of Tony Nilas wolfdog clients.
Every Dog Desires Freedom
Regardless of its wolf-like essence, a dog remains a conscious creature craving unrestrained self-expression. It’s vital for dogs to communicate, using their full vocal range. A widespread misconception about dogs is our ignorance of their deep-seated, often more intense than wolves, yearning for the wild.
This explains why countless dogs spend hours gazing out windows, fantasizing about their next grand escapade in pursuit of freedom. Dogs don’t simply wander off; they flee from the confines of their life. Contrary to being tamed to suppress their instincts, dogs evolved from wolves to enhance and amplify innate qualities.
Dogs might outpace wolves in speed, strength, resilience, size, and pose greater challenges in management. Many were originally bred, not as mere pets, but as robust working animals, enduring harsher environments than wolves ever did. Numerous breeds exhibit aloofness, detachment, and timidness, traits essential for their intended roles.
Most dog breeds boast a lineage of exceptional stamina, strength, and at times, necessary ferocity. These dogs have evolved from those bred to hunt wolves, placing many at the top of the predatory hierarchy. Dog owners, including those of Wolfdogs, often face similar challenges in handling their pets. A common error among dog buyers is overlooking the breeds' working heritage.
Dogs are formidable creatures; for instance, Bloodhounds specialize in tracking, Collies in herding, and Rottweilers in protection, reflecting the heightened traits of their ancestors.
Besides Wolfdogs, it's crucial for the most tamed animal on Earth, humans, to express themselves freely. Imagine if a leader claimed humans didn't require freedom due to domestication – an absurd notion. Yet, this reflects the common attitude towards dogs.
Many believe that domestication means dogs are adapted to confinement and mistreatment. This is far from the truth. The array of behavioral issues seen in dogs, often stemming from their desire for independence, indicates a shared trait with wolves – the innate need for self-assurance and comfort. The principles of animal behavior, in many ways, are consistent across species.
Tony's Adoption of the Neuro-Nurture Program and Its Global Impact
Tony has committed himself to improving the lives of Wolfdogs, a task that's far from easy. The prevailing online sentiment suggests abandoning these magnificent creatures, often branding them as erratic, hazardous, and worthless. Many regard Wolfdogs as nothing but costly, trendy pets, while others demand a complete prohibition on their ownership.
Tony's stance is straightforward, as he notes: "As long as there are Wolfdogs, there must be someone to assist them during difficult periods."
Shifting Focus from Balanced Training to Embracing Liberty
Like many trainers preceding him, Tony began his journey in dog training using techniques that tightly controlled dogs. As time went on, he mastered various tools including clickers, halters, e-collars, chains, retractable leashes, and toys. Despite his impressive accomplishments as an expert in dog behavior, Tony's fervent wish to assist his clients more effectively led him to transition from Balanced Training to adopting The Neuro-Nurture Program.
Typical training assumes that our actions entirely shape our dogs. Although acknowledging the importance of understanding a dog's mental state, many trainers still predominantly use force and treats for control, overlooking recent scientific insights. Rather than simply imprinting on dogs, they develop from within.
The Neuro-Nurture Program introduces a radically different tactic for encouraging desired dog behaviors, steering clear of old-school theories and adopting a fresh, cognitive method. We reject the notion of a dog's mind as merely a programmable entity, understanding that life is more complex.
At the Autonomous Canine Academy, cutting-edge cognitive science concepts are integrated into our training programs. The Neuro-Nurture Program equipped Tony Nila with the expertise to remarkably transform his Wolfdogs, making them exceptionally well-behaved.
Abandoning e-collars and chains, Tony moved past dominance-based control. This evolution in training philosophy not only benefited his pets but also enhanced the lives of his clients, spreading some of the most progressive and enriching dog training ideas.
The Neuro-Nurture Program is effective with Wolfdogs as it taps into their mental processes to foster collaboration. The wolf self-trains itself, finding its unique journey.
This method encourages learning in a free environment rather than captivity, reducing built-up anger and bitterness. This results in a harmonious training session. The robustness of this training suits wolves and is also gentle enough for the gentler breeds.
Watch The Video Below And See Tony and His Magnificent Wolfdogs!
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