Too be fair, wolves are nearly as big as we are.
Generally true, but Mexican wolves are cute dog sized wolves though. Even though they're Mexican, they used to be in the southern border region (which also used to be Mexican). I think there aren't any left in the US now, as they've also been hunted almost to extinction and most of their habitat is in Mexico.
Why did I write so long about Mexican wolves when they aren't relevant to the story?
Well, look at these cuties.
Still, fighting a pack of these or even medium sized dogs would be terrifying to those of us without adventurer levels. Despite that being scared of dogs would be seen as strange in the US, I find myself thinking about how easily dogs could kill me if they wanted. With a bat or knife, I could stand a chance versus one, but 5 committed labrador retreviers would win. I could probably be taken out by dholes or something.
I think someone said that in the web novel puppy was an actual wolf puppy, in which case I am glad he is not going to have to battle his own kind here. Puppy might think he's a human like goblin, though.