2007-01-22 01:20:35 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
wolfs are domesticated- they are called dogs. Domestication takes hundreds of years. I think you mean tamed.
Yes, it is possible to tame them (to a point), but you need to be a very experienced dog owner. You must get the pups at about 3 weeks old and constantly be an alpha dog. The minute you are not (even in the slightest)- it may try to hurt you to become alpha in the pack. They are very dangerous and powerful animals. As long as they know you are boss- fine. The minute that is in question, you have a ruined wolf and a usually hurt owner.
2007-01-22 03:27:31 · answer #1 · answered by D 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's already been done... Domesticated wolves are called "Dogs", they are a domesticated subspecies of wolf.. Canis lupus familiaris.
As far as taking wild wolves and re-domesticating them, well it would take another 15, 000 years for them to reach the level of domestication that dogs already have. You cant just take a wild wolf and domesticate it within your lifetime, it doesnt work that way. Wolves are adapted to live in the wild, domesticated wolves (dogs) are adapted to live with humans. Wolves reach maturity dogs do not, its called "neoteny" and it takes alot of selective breeding and artificial selection to achieve that. Keeping a wild wolf as a pet is dangerous because they are not suited to live with us humans, having an already domesticated wolf in the form of a dog is much safer as they are accustomed to living with humans after 15,000 years of domestication.
2007-01-22 06:44:21 · answer #2 · answered by Kelly + Eternal Universal Energy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By domesticated, do you mean as a house pet?? or a critter you can walk on a leash as one can a German Shepherd? Generally not. Tho they may be perfectly acceptable as puppies, even when neutered or spayed, they become timid and suspicious as they age, and their natural instincts kick in. Have had several friends who have had wolves, and half-breeds --- even many of the half-breeds were skiddish by age 3, snapping with in unfamiliar situations, etc. One guy I knew even bred them, but made no guarantees. His full blooded wolf was cautions, always, and not really a pet.... better than half of the puppies were usually okay by age 3, which is the time, he said, it takes to either blend in or go nuts....
2007-01-22 03:54:43 · answer #3 · answered by April 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but like most animals precaution should still be taken.
Besides in movies such as "Dancing with Wolves" animals such as wolves have been domesticated to an extent. I had a friend a few years back that had a beautiful wolf whom she even trusted to play with her children. This wasn't a wolf that had been roaming and suddenly became a family pet however. When dealing with otherwise 'wild' animals one should try to accumulate them as young as possible so that it is easy to incorporate the animal into the 'pack'.
Wolves for the most part do not attack except for food and protection, there are very few cases where a wolf simply jumped out without reason at a human.
I urge you to check your local laws. In some areas taking in any 'free range' or 'wild' animal is against the law, or they require certain permits. Also check to make sure that there is a vet in the area that would be able to take care of the animal if need be.
2007-01-22 01:32:39 · answer #4 · answered by halos_child 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋
Not really. You can make a pet out of a wolf but he will always be a wild animal. They are NOT dogs.
2007-01-22 01:28:12 · answer #5 · answered by PRS 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
yes if you were to train it from a pup then it will obey you and it will be domesticated
2007-01-22 02:08:37 · answer #6 · answered by dinosaurman1234 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Yes,If you raise them when they are cubs
but still sou cannot take liberties.
2007-01-22 02:21:38 · answer #7 · answered by balaGraju 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋