Winter Wisdom from the Wolfdogs

At 14 years old, Nova still knows how to make the most of a snow day. When winter arrives at Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, the Arctic wolfdog has a favourite pastime: plunging his face into the fresh snow, rolling his muzzle around and eventually throwing his entire body into the action, creating what might be some of the most impressive canine snow angels you'll ever see. The sanctuary staff have a name for this enthusiastic ritual: “snoodling.”

And Nova isn't alone. According to sanctuary founder and University of Calgary alum Georgina De Caigny, BSc (Eng)'11, the arrival of winter seems to transform many of the animals in her care. As temperatures drop, the wolfdogs become more energetic, playful and curious, with even some of the shyest residents joining in the excitement.

“I couldn't tell you exactly what it is about a big dump of snow that turns the wolfdogs into a bunch of goofballs,” says De Caigny, who has spent years caring for wolfdogs and observing their extraordinary behaviour. Whatever the reason, winter offers a remarkable glimpse into the personalities, instincts and abilities of these amazing animals, many of which are exceptionally well adapted to life in the cold. Their behaviour also offers some surprisingly useful lessons for those of us sharing our homes with considerably less winter-hardy canine companions.

Don’t Project Onto Your Dog

When Calgary temperatures plunge, our first instinct is often to bundle up and head indoors. It's tempting to assume our dogs must feel the same way. But, as the wolfdogs at Yamnuska demonstrate, our own discomfort isn’t necessarily a reliable guide to what an animal is experiencing.

“I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that if we're uncomfortable in the cold, our animals must be, too,” says De Caigny. For many of the sanctuary's residents, temperatures that send us scrambling for another layer are simply part of an environment they're remarkably well equipped to navigate.

Wolfdogs with significant wolf content possess thick, double-layered coats that provide natural insulation. A dense undercoat traps warm air close to the skin, while longer guard hairs help protect against wind, snow and moisture. They can even raise their fur through a process called piloerection, increasing the insulating layer of air within their coats.

Because the sanctuary's wolfdogs live outdoors year-round, their bodies also gradually acclimatize to falling temperatures, developing their winter coats as the seasons change. Bringing them indoors to warm up might seem like the compassionate thing to do, but, for animals accustomed to their outdoor environments, an unfamiliar indoor space could actually cause more stress. Instead, staff focus on providing appropriate shelter, dry bedding, nutritious food and fresh water while monitoring each animal's comfort.

Of course, making assumptions works both ways. Just because a wolfdog thrives in freezing temperatures doesn't mean the family dog will. Breed, coat type, age, health and what an animal is accustomed to all influence its tolerance for cold. 

“Ultimately, I think the biggest lesson is that we need to understand the animal we're caring for rather than projecting our own experience of the weather onto them” says De Caigny.

Pay Attention to What Your Dog is Telling You

At the sanctuary, winter enthusiasm can be unmistakable. The animals explore their surroundings, engage with one another and display an energy that staff don't typically see during the hottest summer days. But the key to understanding whether they're enjoying themselves is knowing what's normal for each individual.

A wolfdog peacefully sleeping through a cold afternoon is very different from one that appears distressed, unusually lethargic or reluctant to move. De Caigny says domestic dog owners can learn to make similar observations rather than assuming their pets are comfortable simply because they're willing to venture outside.

“A dog enthusiastically running around in the snow is probably having a wonderful time, but one that's repeatedly lifting its paws, shivering or trying to head home is telling you something very different,” she says.

De Caigny sees those differences first-hand with her own Belgian Malinois, who accompanies her on mountain adventures. While he's generally comfortable keeping warm when they're moving, things change when they stop for lunch or pause to admire the scenery. Without the heat generated by exercise, he may need additional protection.

“I think one thing dog owners sometimes overlook is that a dog's needs can change dramatically depending on whether they're moving or resting,” she explains.

De Caigny brings a winter coat, paw protection and an insulated place for her dog to rest, allowing them to enjoy their adventures together without sacrificing his comfort. Wind, moisture, snow conditions and the length of an outing can also influence how comfortable an animal feels, making preparation and attention to changing conditions especially important.

Turn Winter Into an Adventure

Of course, surviving winter is one thing. Having fun with it is another, and the wolfdogs at Yamnuska have some particularly entertaining ways to enjoy the season.

One of the sanctuary's favourite enrichment activities involves building a snowman, but not necessarily with the intention of keeping it standing. Staff hide small pieces of meat and other animal-safe enrichment items throughout the snowy creation, turning it into an irresistible challenge. The wolfdogs investigate the strange new arrival, sniff out the hidden rewards, dig through the snow and eventually dismantle the entire thing in search of their prizes. 

Aside from being fun to watch, the activity taps into their natural curiosity and problem-solving abilities, two qualities central to keeping the animals engaged. Staff also introduce new scents, scatter food for the wolfdogs to discover and use the snow to create trails, textures and challenges that encourage exploration.

“People underestimate how enriching a simple change to an animal's environment can be,” says De Caigny. “It doesn't always need to be an elaborate puzzle or expensive toy.”

Domestic dogs can enjoy their own version of a snowy treasure hunt. De Caigny suggests scattering a handful of kibble in fresh snow or hiding a treat inside a loosely packed snowball, giving a dog an opportunity to investigate and discover something unexpected.

“I think sometimes we get so focused on keeping our animals comfortable and safe that we forget how important joy, play and exploration are to their overall well-being,” she says. It's a reminder that preparing our dogs for winter isn't just about protecting them from the elements, but also about helping them enjoy the season.

Sometimes the Best Adventure is a Nap

For all their winter enthusiasm, even the sanctuary's cold-weather specialists sometimes prefer to take things easy. During particularly frigid stretches, the wolfdogs often become less active, retreating to sheltered areas and curling into what staff call a “wolf ball.” With their paws tucked beneath their bodies and noses buried in their tails, they conserve heat and energy while resting through the cold.

Staff support these natural behaviours by providing dry straw for insulation, protection from the wind and access to fresh, unfrozen drinking water. Some animals also require additional calories during winter, with their diets adjusted according to individual needs and body condition.

“One thing we've learned is that enrichment doesn't always have to mean physical activity,” says De Caigny. “It's also important to recognize when an animal would rather rest and conserve its energy.”

For domestic dogs spending more time indoors during a Calgary cold snap, she recommends activities that challenge their brains without requiring a great deal of exercise. Scattering kibble around a room, hiding treats inside a rolled-up towel or encouraging a dog to search for a favourite toy can provide opportunities to use their natural instincts.

For De Caigny, the greatest lesson from years spent observing these remarkable animals isn't necessarily about their extraordinary coats or cold-weather resilience. It's about understanding the individual animal, recognizing its needs and remembering that winter can be a season of discovery rather than simply something to endure.

That might mean knowing when your dog needs a little extra warmth, finding a new way to make an ordinary walk more interesting or, as Nova demonstrates with his elaborate snow angels, embracing the simple joy of a fresh snowfall.

“Winter doesn't have to mean doing less with your dog,” says De Caigny. “It can be an opportunity to discover a whole new way of enjoying the outdoors together.”