WSC RESEARCH
Your research at the Wolf Science Center
The Core Facility Wolf Science Center (CF-WSC) offers researchers the opportunity to conduct scientific studies with dogs and wolves on a wide variety of subject areas (e.g. domestication, behavior, cognition, physiology, animal husbandry). This is done in close collaboration with the CF-WSC staff (science coordinators, animal trainers).
In the following, you find some information about our animals and the scientific framework at the Wolf Science Center. A brief description of the Core Facility Wolf Science Center (CF-WSC) can also be found in the research infrastructure database of the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research: https://forschungsinfrastruktur.bmbwf.gv.at/en/fi/wolf-science-center_5325
At the CF-WSC, mixed-breed dogs and North American gray wolves are kept in small groups (pure wolf or dog groups) in enclosures under similar living conditions.
The animals are socialized with other animals and with people already when they are puppies. Early contact with other animals enables the animals to learn social skills that are important for living together in a group. Early contact with humans (hand-rearing) is necessary to ensure a trusting relationship between the animals and their caregivers. For wolves, a low-stress life in a human environment would not be possible without early socialization. The same applies to direct collaboration with wolves, for example in the context of scientific studies.
All animals go through a comprehensive training program, get used to various test situations and procedures and get to know the two test enclosures and the test house. Wolves and dogs are also used to leashes and collars. Taking saliva and urine samples is also trained, and fecal samples can be collected. The work is voluntary and the animals are not forced to do anything. Desirable behaviour is rewarded with food.
If you are interested in working together, you can contact us without obligation at testing@wolfscience.at and arrange a free initial online consultation.