What is Winter wolf syndrome:
One of the most non-talked about problems of owning a wolfdog is winter wolf syndrome and as a result, many wolfdogs end up in sanctuaries/rescues or even worse “euthanized” because of it and the behaviors that accompany owning one.
Even if your animal only gets the seasonal grumpiness, you may find the behavior very difficult and hard to accept from your normally loving Fido you remember.
There is an old saying: Prepare for the worst and hope for the best!
Winter wolf syndrome/Seasonal aggression mostly occurs during the winter months around mating season.
WWS does happen in wolfdogs and not limited to just pure wolves or wolf content.
Higher content and wolves will experience this in the traditional winter months.
Wolves and high content wolfdogs will breed once a year with winter and early spring being their typical times.
It is important to note that not all wolfdogs go thru this during this time.
Some may just become grumpy, while others become aggressive changing from Doctor Jekyll to Mr. Hyde overnight. It is imperative to watch, note and plan for extra attention to their behavior at this time.
This is the time you really need to know your animal!
Males:
Males will often protect their females if housed together.
(Remember this is the time it is about preserving their genes not making friends)
They can also show the same signs without a female with them if a female is in heat close by.
The male may want to show you at this time, he is in charge and challenges your position.
Now is not a good time to enter the enclosure it could be dangerous for you and the animal.
Females:
Females will often attack rival females (same sex aggression) showing them no mercy in their viciousness with one or even both becoming seriously injured or killed when housed together.
How long will it last:
WWS will often pass after mating season and they will usually return back to their old self.
You should prepare yourself from about October through March for any signs of grumpiness or aggression although it may or may not last that long it can begin later in the year and last longer.
Remember each animal is different and content plays some part in this.
So that means that for up to 5 months out of the year, your once loving sweet wolfdog could become the hellhound dog from hell.
If you are lucky you may just get a wolfdog that just has a bad case of P.M.S.
A trip to the vet:
Having one neutered or spayed may help lessen the chances but may not stop it completely!
In the end:
WWS is part of the package when you want a wolfdog not something you train them to be without it comes with them!
Remember this is not a time to think he/she is playing a game!
