Program FAQs

Wolf Connection Program FAQs

How are Wolf Connection’s programs community-centered?

Wolf Connection programs help participants understand themselves more and aid in a better internal relationship, causing them to show up more fully as the unique individuals they already are. As they learn more compassion for themselves, their peers, and the world around them, they engage more with their communities.

How do Wolf Connection’s Wolf Therapy® programs complement other efforts?

Our programs are a rich companion to the students’ work at school, in their home lives and in their communities, challenging them to be in their integrity, honor, and authenticity as they move through the world. When working with school systems and organizations, a few staff always join the programs to ensure continuity and support from all sides.

How do the wolves at Wolf Connection inspire human participants?

One of the many ways wolves inspire participants of any age is simply by being themselves, unapologetically. Our staff weaves in the wolves’ stories of resilience throughout programs, creating a mirror for many participants who have also experienced hardships and traumas of their own. Most of all, people who move through our programs feel a sense of connection with many of the wolves – a nonverbal relationship of kinship and remembering.

How long are the hikes?
We hike each week and each hike varies in length and difficulty. They range anywhere from short but mindful nature walks to challenging hikes up the mountain. The wolves often join us on these hikes giving us a real feel of what it’s like to move as a pack. Hiking teaches us how to move and care for our bodies, gives us awareness of our state of being, develops our relationship with nature, and supports bonding within the pack, as wolves primarily bond through migration.

Will we get to pet the wolves?

In some cases, yes; however, there are many different ways to connect with the wolves. Physical touch is just one way. Because of the variety of situations our wolves came from, openness to human interaction will vary from wolf to wolf and situation to situation. Any kind of interaction with the wolves teaches us how to hold space for each other and how to witness wherever we are on our personal life journey.

What do you actually do on the programs?

Our programs give ample opportunity for us to understand our relationship with ourselves, with each other, and with the natural world. Understanding these relationships can help us show up and be present for ourselves, our peer groups, and our communities. We develop an understanding of these relationships by participating in community share circles, bonding with the wolves, connecting with nature through hiking and other nature-based activities, creative expression (e.g. art, music, poetry, etc.), and community-focused games and activities.

How long is the program? Do I have to attend every session?

Most programs run for eight weeks. To be eligible for graduation, attendance is expected for all eight weeks. For this process to be as meaningful and sacred as we describe, committing fully to all eight weeks is essential. We understand sometimes unavoidable events happen, and we work with participants in these cases one-on-one, as they arise.

Do you actually have real wolves?

Yes and no. All of the wolves we’ve rescued were bred in captivity, so none of them were taken from the wild. Wolfdogs are a mix of wolf and some domesticated dog breed and can range greatly in genetic composition. We do not genetically test our wolves; rather we rely on a process called phenotyping, where we assess the animal’s wolf content by physical appearance and behavior. Though many of our wolves were socialized in human situations, we provide a space where their natural wild wolf instincts and behaviors are still able to be expressed.