Wolfdogs A-Z: Behavior, Training & More (Wolf Hybrids) [Paperback]

Nicole Wilde (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 14, 2001

Wolfdogs A-Z: Behavior, Training & More is exactly what it implies; a comprehensive guide to living with a wolfdog. Wolfdog "owners" (or those who are owned by wolfdogs!) know that these canines can be a lot more of a challenge than the average dog. Nicole Wilde has worked with wolves and wolfdog mixes in a rescue, education and training capacity for over fifteen years, and generously shares her knowledge. Covered is everything from teaching basic behaviors to dealing with fear issues (see too "Help for Your Fearful Dog" by Wilde for a comprehensive guide to dealing with fear issues), dominance challenges, "Winter Wolf Syndrome," myths versus reality, and much more. No one who shares their life with a wolfdog should be without this excellent guide.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An excellent guide for any wolfdog owner. Nicole's strength lies in making training principles readily understandable. Well written...humorous!" -- Lianne McLeod, About.com/Exotic Pets

"Extremely well written, overflowing with useful down-to-earth information." -- Dr. Ian Dunbar, veterinarian, animal behaviorist & author

"Extremely well written...overflowing with useful, down-to-earth information. Wolfdogs A-Z should be required reading for all companions of canines!" -- Dr. Ian Dunbar, veterinarian, animal behaviorist & author

"Impossible to put down. A must-read for anybody who has an interest in these sometimes difficult, often rewarding animal companions." -- Monty Sloan, Wolf Behavior Specialist, Wolf Park, Indiana

"Impossible to put down... A must-read for anybody who has an interest in these companions. A great book!" -- Monty Sloan, Wolf Behavior Specialist, Wolf Park, Indiana

"Overflowing with useful information...Wolfdogs A-Z should be required reading for all companions of canines!" -- Dr. Ian Dunbar, veterinarian, animal behaviorist & author

Impossible to put down. A must-read for anybody who has an interest in these somtimes difficult, often rewarding animal companions. -- Monty Sloan, Wolf Behavior Specialist, Wolf Park, Indiana

About the Author

Nicole Wilde is involved in wolfdog rescue, training and education. She is dedicated to helping wolfdog owners make their relationship successful, and giving the public a realistic view of wolfdogs. Nicole runs a dog training business and uses gentle, positive training methods. She believes that communication, kindness and patience are the keys to her success.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 268 pages
• Publisher: Phantom Pub; 1st edition (February 14, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 096677261X
• ISBN-13: 978-0966772616
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #275,263 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Nicole Wilde is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) who specializes in behavior issues. She is a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), the recipient of the prestigious Ian Dunbar Member of the Year Award for 2006, and a popular speaker at the organization's national and international conferences. Nicole is also an Instructor and on the Advisory Board for the Companion Animal Sciences Institute, the educational branch for the International Institute for Applied Companion Animal Behavior, and sits on the Board of the Association of Animal Behavior Professionals.

Nicole is an internationally recognized author and lecturer. Her books include Living with Wolfdogs Wolfdogs A-Z, So You Want to be a Dog Trainer, It's Not the Dogs, It's the People!, One on One: A Dog Trainer's Guide to Private Training, Help for Your Fearful Dog, Getting a Grip on Aggression Cases, Energy Healing for Dogs, and Don't Leave Me! Step-by-Step Help for Your Dog's Separation Anxiety (www.phantompub.com). She presents seminars both domestically and internationally for conferences, training clubs, and other groups.

Nicole writes training and behavior articles for various newspapers and magazines, including an ongoing Ask the Expert column for Modern Dog Magazine. She blogs for the Dog Star Daily and Victoria Stilwell's Positively site, as well as her own blog, Wilde About Dogs. Nicole co-stars in the DVD 'Train Your Dog: The Positive Gentle Method,' co-hosted the 'Dog Talk' radio show, and was featured in the Paul Owens DVD 'The Dog Whisperer.'

Nicole's background includes serving as Volunteer Coordinator for the City of Los Angeles' Animal Services, and Executive Director for Villalobos Rescue Center, a sanctuary for rescued wolves/wolfdogs, pit bulls and exotic animals.

Nicole owns and operates Gentle Guidance Dog Training in southern California (www.gentleguidance4dogs.com). With warmth, humor and positive techniques, she trains owner to train their dogs. Nicole continues to teach seminars domestically and internationally for professional dog trainers, rescue and shelter workers, veterinary groups and others, and to educate the public on canine behavior issues.

You can find Nicole on Facebook at https://facebook.com/NicoleWildeAuthor, on Twitter at http://twitter.com/NicoleWilde and on her Wilde About Dogs blog at http://wildewmn.wordpress.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Do you find your new "Best Friend" a bit overwhelming?, March 5, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Wolfdogs A-Z: Behavior, Training & More (Wolf Hybrids) (Paperback)

I can't say enough about Nicole Wilde's book. I own a low percentage wolfdog I rescued from a local animal shelter by mistake; That is, I was told he was an Alaskan Malamute, but at his initial veterinary examination, the vet informed me that my gorgeous (but aggressive) 100lb 1-year-old was about 25% wolf! Having had no experience with wolfdogs (and getting recommendations from three animal behaviorists that I destroy him), I realized that this rescue would be quite a challenge. I decided to learn all I could about his species and give him a chance. Through researching the subject on the Internet, I became aware of Ms. Wilde's work with wolfdogs. It was refreshing to find someone so knowledgeable in the field. I consider "Wolfdogs A-Z" an invaluable resource. While reading it, I found that I could easily apply the data and follow Ms. Wilde's advice. The chapter about Winter Wolf Syndrome was one of my favorites, as it gave me information I had not found anywhere else. This book provided answers to many situations I needed help with, including diet and housing methods. Most importantly to me, Nicole Wilde employs positive training techniques which have helped my wolfdog become a more gentle, loyal and affectionate member of our "pack". The book is a perfect blend of humor and instruction. I find it very complete, and a "must read" for anyone who currently owns a wolfdog or is considering the rescue of one. (It's training section is great for "regular" dogs, too, as my Welsh Corgi has responded very well to the techniques!)

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Indispensable !, March 14, 2001

By 

-The Wolf Dunn- (( [e-mail] )) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wolfdogs A-Z: Behavior, Training & More (Wolf Hybrids) (Paperback)

If you share your life with wolf-dog crosses, or have an interest in knowing more about wolves and wolfdogs, this book is absolutely essential reading !!! ... Dog owners can also benefit tremendously from the behavioral insights and postive training advice offered.

New owners and long-time owners alike will delight in reading the sections on "Principles of Positive Training" (including how-to's), "Dominance Challenges", "Fear Issues" as well as "Enrichment" (great ideas throughout the book), "Veterinary Care" and much, much more.

I strongly suggest that if you are a breeder, or are involved in rescue that you lay your paws on a number of copies of this book to give to your prospective buyers or adopters. Make it part of your educational program :-) Better yet, combine "Wolfdogs A to Z" with the author's other book, "Living with Wolfdogs" for an all around excellent source of practical advice and information.

Enjoy the photos too !

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wolfdogs A-Z, March 5, 2001

By 

Charles R. Thayer (New Mexico) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wolfdogs A-Z: Behavior, Training & More (Wolf Hybrids) (Paperback)

I have read Wolf dogs A-Z, and found it to be the most informative book on the subject that I have come across to date. It explains away a multitude of myths that have been prevalent in society today which is being used by those who hold negative opinions of these animals, to win public opinion over to their cause. I especially liked the training section which gives new owners as well as seasoned owners detailed steps to successfully train the wolf dog, and could be used with all canines as well. Open minded trainers of regular canines could well learn that these training methods can be used successfully with little change and effort on their part. And indicates that Wolf dogs can respond to training just as any other dog if given half a chance. I think the section on Understanding canine body language was the most informative of all. 99% of the time new owners of Wolf dogs as well as owners of regular dogs fail to learn the body language their companion is trying to tell them, and often times mistake certain body actions wrongly and the canine usually pays the price for their owners misinterpretations. This book is a fantastic book of learning for potential owners as well as current owners and trainers of wolf dogs and regular dogs as well.