High Content Wolf Dogs: Containment & Habitat

I am writing this article to explain how to build a secure containment/habitat for upper content wolfdogs. I write as a private owner for almost 26 years, as a general contractor who has built sanctuaries and as a rescuer.

High content wolfdogs can be escape artists. Some can jump 6ft+ fencing. Some can climb trees, fencing ect., and some can dig from here to China.

Building your habitat. You can use 10ft galvaized posts or 10ft 4x4 treated wood posts. Dig your holes for your posts approximately 10 ft apart. Set 2 ft into each hole with 8ft above ground. Now you will dry pack (it is a common and convenient method or technique that involves pouring the dry concrete mix into the hole around the posts and then adding water on top, which then is absorbed by the mix. This method allows you to use the posts immediately without waiting for tranditional wet concrete to set.)

Once all your posts are set you are ready for your fencing. If you choose galvanized posts you should use chain link fencing with a value of 9 gauge. If you used 4x4 posts then you should use cattle panel 4ft high by 10ft wide. I use 4 gauge but 8 gauge is acceptable. If you have chosen chain link then you need 8ft tall. If you choose cattle panel then you stack the 4ft high to make 8ft and join with hog rings overlapped approximately 6inches, you can also use livestock panel connectors. To keep corners square I recommend placing/framing a 2x4x6 at the corners. You will need to allow space for your gate. Make your gate wide enough to get items in such as pools, lawnmowers, ect.

I create a chamber with the use of 2 gates. One evenly lining up with your fencing, a fenced in area within the habitat with the 2nd gate "think vestibule". I also frame the gates with 2x4s.

Now your fencing and gate are up and you will need to add lean-ins and dig-guards. I use 36inch welded wire which can come in 100ft rolls. You will roll it out on the ground with 24inches on the ground, you will bend the other 12 inches to attach to your chain link or cattle panel. You can use wire to attach the fencing and garden stakes to hold down the 24inches to the ground, place garden stakes every couple of feet as this will be your dig-guard.

Time for the lean-ins. You will use the same welded wire, you will need L backets or "EMT" pipe bent at 45 degrees on each post. You will run the 36 inch welded wire fencing on top of the 45 degree angles. You will connect with wire or hog ties. Using coyote rollers as a lean-in is a secondary option.

For an extra layer of security I use 3 strands of hot-wire, if you do, please be sure to use a grounding rod on the battery.

Lastely, many of us have cameras, I personnaly have 7 tapo cameras that each come with their own solar panel.

You will enjoy watching your furry friends, and it all comes down to safety first. Please do not leave your high content wolf dogs in your containment 24/7 as yard ordaments. Take them for walks, 1 hikes, rivers, lakes, ect and give them their best lives.