Wolves and hunting dogs: How hunters and dog owners can safely deal with the growing wolf population

The return of wolves to Germany has brought many challenges in recent years, especially for hunters and dog owners. As the wolf population in Germany continues to expand, there are increasing reports of encounters between dogs and wolves, which sometimes end tragically. Especially in regions such as Brandenburg, Lower Saxony and Saxony, there have been an increasing number of incidents in which hunting dogs have been attacked and killed by wolves. These developments raise the question: How can hunters and dog owners in areas with high wolf densities protect their animals and themselves?

Background: Growing wolf population and new dangers

Wolves are strictly protected in Germany, which has led to a sharp increase in their population in recent years. Encounters with wolves are becoming more frequent, especially in rural regions characterized by forests and extensive fields. While wolves are naturally shy towards humans, practice shows that they are increasingly seeking proximity to inhabited areas and human activities. This is partly due to the lack of hunting and wolves that have become accustomed to humans, experts have found.

The main concern of many dog owners and hunters is that wolves perceive dogs as competition or intruders into their territory. Hunting dogs in particular are at risk due to their duties in driven and driven hunts, as they often move further away from the owner and are thus more easily targeted by a pack of wolves. In some cases, such encounters have ended fatally for the dogs, as shown by the incident in October 2024 in Brandenburg in which a female hunting dog was killed and buried by wolves.

Rules of conduct in the event of a wolf encounter: what to do if the wolf approaches

Preparing for a wolf encounter is the first step in minimizing risks. Dog owners should be aware, especially in wolf areas, that wolves may perceive dogs as a threat or competition. Free-roaming dogs pose a great danger as they are seen by wolves as intruders in their territory.

If you are out and about with your dog in wolf territory, observe the following rules:

• Always keep dogs on a lead: The safest protection for your dog is to keep it close to you at all times. Free-roaming dogs could be perceived as prey or a threat by the wolf, which could escalate the situation.
• Stay calm and secure your dog: If you encounter a wolf, keep your dog calmly on the lead and try to avoid frantic movements. The wolf may show an interest in the dog, but in most cases will keep its distance from humans.
• Retreat slowly: Leave the scene of the encounter calmly and without taking your eyes off the wolf. A slow retreat towards your starting point signals to the wolf that there is no danger from you or your dog. It is important never to turn your back on the wolf.
• Act loudly and firmly: If the wolf does approach, make yourself big, clap your hands and speak loudly. This can help to drive the wolf away. Wolves are often curious, especially young animals and hybrids, so it is important to meet their curiosity with determination.
• Avoid danger zones: Find out about current warnings in wolf areas before going for a walk. Authorities often provide notices about areas where wolf activity has occurred, especially during mating season or when pups are being raised, when wolves can become particularly territorial and aggressive.

Hunting dogs and wolves: a growing problem

The situation is particularly sensitive for hunters. Hunting dogs that are used for tracking or driven hunts are exposed to an increased risk, as they often move further away from the hunter and are therefore more easily perceived as a threat by wolves. This was also the case with the hunting dog "Tora", who was attacked and killed by a pack of wolves during a driven hunt in Brandenburg in October 2024. The incident occurred just a few hundred meters away from an inhabited area, which shows that wolves can also move close to human settlements.

In view of the increasing number of wolf attacks on hunting dogs, the Brandenburg State Hunting Association (LJVB) is calling for the wolf population to be regulated. The association advocates the inclusion of wolves in hunting legislation in order to control the population through targeted measures and thus improve the protection of dogs and humans. President Dr. Dirk-Henner Wellershoff emphasizes that targeted shooting and a permanent hunting season for wolves are necessary to regulate the population and ensure the safety of hunting dogs.

How to prepare for hunting and walking

There are some measures hunters and dog owners can take to increase the safety of their dogs:

• Caution during driven hunts: the LJVB strongly advises hunting dog handlers to exercise particular caution during driven hunts and to refrain from using dogs in regions with a high density of wolves. During the driven hunt season, you should carefully consider whether the risk to the dog is justifiable.
• Do not harness dogs for driven hunts: Searching for wounded game involves particular dangers, as hunting dogs often act far away from their handler. The LJVB therefore advises against searches where dogs cannot be secured.
• Obtain information: Before every hunting trip or walk, you should find out about wolf activity in the region. The authorities often issue up-to-date warnings, which should be taken seriously.

Preventive measures: Protecting people and dogs

Prevention is the be-all and end-all, not only for hunters but also for dog owners who are out and about in wolf areas. Particularly in rural regions such as Brandenburg or Lower Saxony, where wolf encounters occur regularly, it is important to be vigilant and follow recommended safety precautions.

It is important that dog owners not only protect their dogs, but also avoid potential conflict situations with wolves by taking preventative measures. The risk of wolf attacks can be significantly reduced by adhering to leash requirements, avoiding danger zones and following the correct behavior.

Conclusion: Wolf management as a key factor

The return of wolves to Germany is a natural process, but one that brings with it new challenges for hunters and dog owners. The protection of dogs, especially hunting dogs, must be a top priority. While the regulation of the wolf population remains a hotly debated topic, dog owners and hunters can already help to minimize the risk of wolf attacks with the right preparations and behaviour.

Everyone can help to prevent conflicts between wolves and dogs by carefully planning outings, keeping dogs on a lead and heeding regional warnings. At the same time, it remains a challenge for politicians and hunting associations to find solutions that ensure both the protection of wolves and the safety of dogs and people.