How to Pet A Wolf

Have you ever thought about how you would pet a wolf, if given the chance?  Think about that for a moment.  You've been told the wolves within the enclosure are familiar with human contact and were raised by humans.  The wolves you are about to meet have met several other people (who survived the interaction, ha!), too.  

Now, you are about to meet your friends Labrador.  Think about how you would interact with that Lab.  Your friend told you he is good with people of all sizes, he's met many of your friends in the past and you heard no issue with their interactions.

Would you interact with each wolf vs. dog in different ways?  If so, what would that look like?  Why?

My first time in the wolf enclosure was pretty laid back.  The two wolves in the enclosure had already met one group of about 6 people, who all survived, some were able to pet one of the wolves, all while I watched from outside of the enclosure.  I was given proper procedure to meet these beautiful animals and also knew the staff at Wolf Park would instruct me and keep me safe during the visit.  

The second meeting was the next day with the main pack in a large enclosure.  I wasn't sure if I'd get to touch a wolf, but knew what to do if given the opportunity.  First, it was the wolves choice to invite petting.  It was not up to the humans to reach out and pet any of them including the pups.  Second, if they did approach it wasn't automatically assumed that they wanted to be touched.  They might have been interested in sniffing us up and down to learn more about us.  Third, if they did invite petting we were instructed to keep it to 3 seconds.  There were specific areas of their bodies that we were permitted to touch.  How did I know when to start petting?  I wasn't entirely sure since this was all new to me and their personalities were all different.  Personally, I waited for the staff to give direction.  That direction came when one of the pups, Kanti, approached and offered the side of his neck and head.  I 3 second neck petting took place, he left and came back for some more.  It was thrilling for those few moments to be asked to interact.  Did I want more?  Of course, but it all had to be on his terms.

Why is it then we force ourselves upon our domestic dogs?  Do they really enjoy us approaching them and petting for long periods of time?  How do you know they are enjoying it?  

This experience really helped me understand more about how we as a society should take a step back and wait to be asked for this type of interaction by all animals.  The next time you are about to reach to pet think about how you'd pet a wolf.