Coexisting With Wolves: Lessons From Force-Free Dog Training

Source: patrice schoefolt / Pexels

This post was cowritten by Marc Bekoff and certified force-free dog trainer Mary Angilly.

Conflict is an inevitable part of many social relationships, including those between humans and nonhuman animals (animals), whether wild or domesticated. How we choose to navigate these challenges—opting for quick fixes or embracing thoughtful, holistic approaches that prioritize the well-being of all individuals involved—can serve as an opportunity to foster deeper, more meaningful, and longer-lasting connections.

Rather than perceiving animals solely through the lens of their utility in a human-centered world—and responding with abuse and violence when their natural behaviors become an "inconvenience"—we might instead turn to examples of positive reinforcement training that science has shown to be the best way to develop mutually respectful relationships in which all participants have a say. These approaches illustrate how coexistence can be fostered in ways that respect the needs of both humans and animals, creating mutual benefits rather than divisive conflicts.

Fostering peaceful coexistence between humans and wolves by training humans to accept their presence

In Colorado and other areas, wolf-human conflicts are common, and when push comes to shove, it's the wolves who invariably suffer at the hands and guns of people who simply don't like them or don't want them around for a wide variety of reasons.¹

All dogs emerged from a common wolf ancestor, and living harmoniously with a canine companion is all about achieving peaceful coexistence. Research clearly shows that dogs, wolves, and many other animals share the same feelings, ranging from joy to fear to grief and anxiety, so it dawned on us that training (a.k.a. teaching) humans to coexist with wolves might be achieved by using positive force-free training that taps into what the students (clients)—dogs, wolves, and humans—experience when they need to be able to coexist peacefully.²

Management: Just as positive reinforcement trainers set dogs up for success by controlling their environment and preventing “undesired” behaviors, we can do the same with wolves. If we know that a dog jumps on the kitchen counter to eat loaves of bread, we will manage the situation by keeping said dog out of the kitchen or not leaving loaves of bread within their reach.

Minimizing direct human-wolf interactions and securing attractants (e.g., garbage or carcasses) prevents wolves from habituating to humans and associating them with easy-to-get food, reducing the potential for conflict. Science demonstrates that wolves prefer isolated prey, so keeping livestock in structured grazing setups can reduce the likelihood of attacks.

Consistency: Dog training fails when there is a lack of consistency. If one day someone gives a dog a treat when the dog jumps on the bed but pushes the dog down for jumping on the bed the next day, this can lead to confusion.

A successful wolf reintroduction program must commit to consistent policies. A cohesive, science-supported strategy that encourages widespread adoption of deterrents is crucial. Success will be made more difficult if ranchers are not employing the same or similar techniques.

Reinforcement: Just as aversive dog training can increase aggression rather than prevent it, fear-driven wolf policies exacerbate disputes, resulting in conflicts rather than effective solutions. On the other hand, rewarding desired behavior by humans through positive reinforcement strengthens and encourages its repetition. If we consistently give a dog treats and attention for looking at us, the dog will repeat that behavior (if they like treats and attention, of course).

Providing wolves with access to abundant natural prey reinforces hunting wild animals rather than turning to domestic livestock—a.k.a. room service—who have lost most if not all of their defensive skills. Coexistence programs should also focus on financial incentives for ranchers who actually try to deter wolves (and other predators) to move them away from purely reactive, lethal methods, many of which don't work.

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Relationship-based approaches: Positive reinforcement dog training focuses on mutual understanding rather than dominance, which is a crucial shift in mindset that needs to happen for successful wolf introduction. Historically, wolf management relied on punishment-based strategies—hunting, trapping, snaring, and poisoning. However, science shows that killing wolves often disrupts the stability of packs, leading to increased livestock predation as younger, inexperienced wolves are left to hunt alone.

Education: Just as understanding dog biology, behavior, and body language reduces frustration and improves relationships between dogs and people, educating the public about wolf behavior, ecology, and real versus perceived threats can increase acceptance and reduce fear-based conflict.

Many fear-based responses to wolves, and how we train dogs, stem from myths and misinformation. Educating ranchers and the public about wolf behavior, how they communicate with one another and with humans, population dynamics, and real versus perceived threats will increase tolerance. Becoming "fluent in wolf" (wolf literate) can have the same positive effect that becoming "fluent in dog" (dog literate) has on dog-human relationships.

All in all, the principles of behavioral science, trust-building, and reinforcement of desired behaviors—central to effective and humane dog training—can inform human-wolf interactions and shape policies that foster long-term coexistence including protecting ranchers' livelihoods. Real-world success stories demonstrate that proactive, nonlethal deterrents are more effective than lethal control for safeguarding livestock while maintaining ecological stability. With the right tools, education, and collaborative efforts, there is a future where livestock, ranchers, wolves, and ecosystems can thrive.

Expanding a sense of community and kinship with our wild neighbors: Moving beyond wolves

While some people might not like the idea of being trained to do something or not to do something because it seems too mechanical, that's what a good deal of social learning and social living is all about. The word "teaching" is synonymous with "training," so it's not all that rote—it's about learning new skills or unlearning old patterns of behavior.

Our approach for fostering peaceful coexistence extends beyond human-wolf relationships. There are many perks and a lot to gain by living harmoniously with our wild neighbors and discovering an expanded sense of community and kinship beyond our own species. We hope people on the ground will begin to pay more attention to the mindset of peaceful coexistence between humans and the nonhumans they encounter where they live or in the wild.

Many people say they feel better physically and psychologically—their bodies and hearts are rewilded—when they get over themselves and know and feel that there are wild animals around or when they are lucky enough to see them even for a fleeting moment.

When the well-being of humans and nonhumans increases with peaceful coexistence, it's a win-win for all. Little could be better for their health, our well-being, and the health of our magnificent planet, which needs all the help it can get to heal current and future wounds.