 Dharma is a stunning white wolf. Dharma is a perfect example of how variant personalities can be from one wolf to the next. As easy going as legend is Dharma takes the world seriously. Just like people, wolves can get moody, but wolves can be quite reactive or even overreact at times depending on the situation and the surrounding circumstances. It must be pointed out that though dharma is what I consider *tame* to a certain degree (some other experts may agree or argue this point) she still retains inherent wild tendencies regardless of being raised in a captive situation. Wolves are NOT domestic no matter how many generations of them have been raised in captivity, not at least in the way people in general view what domestic is. There are some lines of wolves that can inherit and pass on more tractable traits, (these types of wolves are great working in film etc) but even they do not become *dogs* . Though wolves do not display any known behaviors not also found in the typical domestic dog, what varies is the frequency, and intensity of the behaviors and in which context those behaviors may be expressed.
Dharmas space, needs and wants are respected at all times. Why argue with a wolf? Through many years of studying and analyzing wolf behavior (ethology), wolf language becomes easily read. They certainly are far from unpredictable. Any training done with the wolves is done because it gives them something to do, and it can help give the people working with the wolf somewhat of an upper hand when it comes to having to take them to the vet, get a lead on them, or prepare them for getting any blood work done, training helps to give *any canine* guidance even wolves.
 Canines tend to look to those that can display a confident leadership role. Contrary to popular belief wolves can be trained to a certain degree, wolves like to work and use their minds, and training helps them to accomplish this. If one works with the wolf and is attentive to the wolfs needs and desires it is not as hard as some may think to get the wolf to do what you want them to do. Though training can help shape even alter the nature of wolves through nurturing, nature certainly plays a big part in what a wolf is truly all about, and in the end this must be taken into consideration if one wishes to be dealing with such creatures in their daily lives.
I do have dharma trained to sit for her food (meals) and treats, or if she wants to get out on her lead for a walk, I use the nothing in life is free program on her, but certainly not trained to the extent my domestic dog is trained. Wolves are magnificent to watch and dharma is no exception when it comes to what a wolf is. One cannot push themselves onto a wolf, it is disrespectful of the wolfs own personal space, just as people need it so do wolves. When we are feeling icky do we want people to grab us out of the blue regardless of our feelings? Wolves are tolerant to a degree but as with all animals including the human animal wolves have their snapping points too. They will come to you on their time and will display affection when they see fit to do so. They do not live their lives to please humans the way dogs do. Wolves are independent animals and this independence makes them survivors.
 Their teeth, their brain size, their legs, their chests, their claws, feet, tail, ears, coat are all designed to aid the wolf in surviving in the wild. In the classrooms I have taught the kids differences between our domestic bunny rabbits we have as pets and the wild jack rabbits. Jacks Rabbits (Hares) are *designed* with more exaggerated features their feet size and leg size for hopping faster and farther distances in one leap, their ear size for hearing predators better, the same thing can be said about wolves they are exaggerated souped up canines, and they are souped up for VERY specific reasons. I am honored to share their world, and never lose sight of the fact that their lessons are constant.
Sheri is an amazing friend and wildlife artist her work is a must see! I was honored she came out here again to visit the animals with a young art student, please visit her website Black Horse Design, she has also taken some nice pics of the animals here, needless to say when she comes out she always gifts me with a few keepers.
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