The wolf has returned to the Low Countries, which is good news for nature. At the same time, the presence of a large predator brings new responsibilities, particularly for people who regularly go out walking with their dog. Although wolves and dogs share a common ancestor, they are more likely to regard one another as rivals than as relatives. The risk of an encounter is small, but real enough to warrant vigilance from every dog owner.

In Flanders, incidents involving wolves and dogs remain rare. Even so, a case in Houthalen-Helchteren in late 2020 shows that the risk can never be fully ruled out. A border collie escaped from its enclosure at night and chased wolves in the area. The confrontation ended fatally for the dog, which had entered the wolves’ territory on its own initiative. Such an incident is far removed from the typical behaviour of a pet dog on a walk, but it does illustrate how wolves respond when a dog actively approaches them.

The situation is different in the Netherlands. More than a hundred wolves now live on the Veluwe, an area that attracts large numbers of visitors every weekend, many of them accompanied by dogs. That combination inevitably leads to more encounters between wolves and dogs.

Working dogs are not exempt from the risk either. The case of Daisy, a border collie, attracted widespread attention in September 2025. While herding sheep in the Renderklippen nature reserve, she was attacked twice by a wolf. After the second attack, she disappeared without trace. Land managers had already warned earlier that summer that free-roaming dogs were particularly vulnerable, especially during periods when wolves have pups and defend their territory more aggressively.

Sharing the landscape

The growing number of reports from the Veluwe makes it clear that forests and heathlands are no longer landscapes used exclusively by people. Once again, they are shared with a large predator that does not always behave in ways we anticipate.

In Belgium, the wolf population is increasing gradually. In Limburg, the pack led by the female Noëlla is established, while wolf territories also exist in the High Fens and the Anlier forest in the province of Luxembourg. In addition, solitary wolves are present, such as the female Emma in the border area of the Kalmthoutse Heide.

The Netherlands has established packs on the Veluwe and in Drenthe, and wolves are increasingly reported on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug and in the Gelderse Vallei. Dispersing animals can cover large distances in a short time and may suddenly appear in unexpected woodland or heathland areas. For people walking dogs, this means that wolf territory extends far beyond a handful of well-known hotspots.

Under normal conditions, wolves avoid people. That said, individual animals may occasionally behave differently. This can include young, inexperienced wolves that are still curious, animals that have become habituated through being fed by people, or wolves that are sick or injured and therefore react more defensively. As wild animals, wolves can never be entirely predictable, which is why caution is always warranted.

Keep a distance from wolves

If you encounter a wolf while out walking, the guiding principle is simple: keep your distance and remain calm. The Dutch Forestry Commission advises a distance of around 50 to 100 metres as a safe margin. Anyone walking with a dog should keep it close and on a lead. This rule applies far beyond wolf areas, as free-running dogs can also disturb other wildlife such as wild boar, roe deer or red deer. Dogs often detect a wolf by smell or sound before their owner does and may suddenly become uneasy or hesitant. Such reactions should be taken seriously.

Wolves tend to see dogs as competitors within their territory, and even a curious approach may be perceived as a threat. Dogs that roam far ahead, move unsupervised or chase wildlife face a higher risk. In areas where dogs are usually allowed off the lead, land managers advise recalling them immediately if a wolf appears. Should a wolf come closer, staying calm is key: slowly back away, make yourself appear larger and use noise. Running, fighting or chasing the animal increases the risk for both people and dogs.

Simple precautions further reduce the chance of encounters. Keeping to marked paths and walking during daylight hours helps, as wolves are most active at dusk and at night. Leaving no food scraps or litter behind is also important, since waste can attract wildlife.

Consistent attack patterns

From a broader European perspective, attacks by wolves on dogs are not unusual. A recent review conducted within the LIFE Wild Wolf project brought together 31 studies from 14 countries, published between 1989 and 2023. The conclusion was clear: while attacks on dogs occur under a wide range of circumstances, the underlying patterns are remarkably consistent.

Regions with higher wolf densities report more incidents, particularly where dogs roam freely in or near the core area of a pack. The presence of pups temporarily increases the risk, as wolves become especially territorial. Scarcity of natural prey also plays a role. In areas with limited wild prey, wolves may switch more readily to alternative prey, including dogs. In some packs, a form of specialisation even develops, with younger wolves learning from experienced individuals that dogs can be a potential target. Once established, such patterns can persist across generations.

The type of dog clearly influences the level of risk. Across Europe, hunting dogs account for nearly half of all recorded cases, making them the most frequent victims. They are followed by dogs that roam freely at night on farms or in gardens. Incidents involving hunting dogs and free-roaming dogs usually occur during the day. In countries such as France and Croatia, even livestock-guarding dogs are sometimes attacked when they place themselves between wolves and farm animals.

Keep dogs close

Studies from the United States, Finland and Italy also document cases involving pet dogs, particularly when they are left unsupervised outdoors. Smaller and medium-sized dogs appear to be more frequently affected than large breeds, although behaviour and distance from the owner matter more than breed or body size. Research from Poland and the US shows that the risk of an attack increases once a dog moves more than a few dozen metres away from its owner.

Seasonal factors also play a role. In several countries, incidents peak in late summer and autumn, when wolf pups grow larger and require more food. Other studies, however, find no strong seasonal pattern, suggesting that local conditions, such as prey availability, are at least as important.

Although Flanders and the Netherlands lack the hunting cultures found in Scandinavia or the Balkans, some lessons from those regions are still relevant. In Finland, for example, sharing recent GPS locations of collared wolves has reduced risks for hunting dogs. In Wisconsin, high-risk areas are temporarily designated as “wolf caution zones”, encouraging handlers and owners to be more vigilant. In parts of southern Europe, compensation schemes exist for lost dogs, although emotional loss can never be fully offset financially. A common principle across all these regions is that dog owners remain responsible for their animals when entering natural areas.

Limited risk

For dog owners in Flanders and the Netherlands, the risk remains limited but should not be ignored. Natural areas are fragmented, heavily visited and generally well regulated. Most owners comply with leash requirements, which drastically reduces the likelihood of incidents. At the same time, the wolf population continues to grow, making encounters potentially more frequent in the future.

A sober, realistic perspective remains essential. Wolves are neither monsters that actively hunt dogs nor fairy-tale creatures. They are wild animals with a strong territorial instinct. Those who respect that reality can continue to enjoy walking with their dogs, even in areas where wolves are present. International studies consistently show that dogs which stay close to their owner and respond well to commands face a negligible risk of confrontation.

Our forests and heathlands are once again shared with an animal that once naturally belonged there. That requires some adjustment, but certainly not fear. There is space for both dogs and wolves, provided we ensure clarity, proximity and responsible behaviour.