The wolf in the clinic at the very beginning of the game?
You're kind of meant to die there the first time.
After dying, you're transported to the Hunter's Dream, and are given weapons there.
After equipping one of the weapons, you should be able to kill the wolf in 3 hits or so.
Alternately, you can just run right past the rabid angry mutt.
Honestly, the game will continue to throw challenges at you -- and your sense of timing plus learning enemies' strengths and weaknesses will bring the victories.
You'll still die often, as I did -- and as did everyone else who played the game.
THE STRUGGLE IS REAL
...But it is a grand struggle, and absolutely worthwhile, IMHO.
At least give it another shot with an actual weapon equipped. The Cleaver Saw is probably good for starters, and the weapon transformations never get old.
EDIT: Oh, this is super-important, I can't believe I didn't mention it. Don't forget to lock-on targets (R3 button, same for "Focus" mode in HZD). If the game didn't have lock-on, I would have burnt it for sure.
