Post by fireopal on Jul 12, 2008 17:42:12 GMT -5
Well, I want everyone to know that there is no set pattern of behavior or hierarchy. There are always things that cannot be explained, or things that seem to go against the rule of wolven law. You cannot depend solely on one book, or one person, to give you every bit of information out there. And that's because... wolves are difficult creatures to understand. They are mysterious animals, and their hierarchy/behavior is really not as "simple" as we think. Alpha: Beta: Subordinates: Omega. Right? Well, in the wolven world, it is not looked upon as such. We still do not know everything about wolves, and, in my opinion, we never will. But there are some basic behaviors that are exhibited by most wolves:
--A dominant wolf will correct another that is out of its place. Here is a good example: the dominant male is being greeted. Everything is loosely calm, and one member is playfully pestering the wolf. His tail raises as he intently licks, nips, and nudges the alpha, with the other members nearby. Suddenly the happy mood appears to turn sour, as the dominant male growls and grabs the member's muzzle with his jaws. The member, being a sensible creature, obediently falls to the ground and reveals his underside and throat; both sensitive parts. The alpha growls deeply, still firmly holding his muzzle. The other wolves surrounding him follow suite, snarling and yapping disapprovingly at the member. The alpha then lets to of the member's muzzle, and turns to rejoin his pack members. The member pauses for a moment, then quickly gets up, jumping into the pack. All of the wolves sniff each other, and casually lick one another, as the tension lifts. The mood soon turns back to happiness as the dominant male starts off, once more calm and assertive. Everything is back to normal. This is a common scene that plays in a wolf pack. But then again, wolves always find a way to surprise you.
--Members are expected to show their respect to the alpha. When the dominant animal approaches them, the lower-ranking wolf will likely crouch lower to the ground, tail lowered and ears flat. He will lick the alpha's muzzle in greeting, and then the two wolves will carry on.
--When a dominant animal is expecting or demanding submission, he often walks stiffly, his tail raised high and his ears pricked forward. This is likely when he will receive the submission mentioned above.
--Wolves often play, or do other activities together in harmony to beat away tension and to tighten bonds. A group of wolves may simply chase another, happily nipping at the other's heels. It is obvious that this is play through the ease of their movements, and their relaxed body postures; neither submissive nor dominant, merely calm and happy. Aside from playing games of chase, wolves can come up with all sorts of games. Perhaps, "who can steal the stick", or, a good ol' wrestling match.
NOTE: A wolf's actions make its rank. Also, even if a wolf misbehaves, perhaps repeatedly, it doesn't mean it simply gets "demoted", so it "learns a lesson". The wolf learns a lesson through corrections, not demotions. If you'd like some ideas on how to display your wolf's emotions through body language, please look at this site: www.timberwolfinformation.org/kidsonly/posture/postures.htm#tail
--A dominant wolf will correct another that is out of its place. Here is a good example: the dominant male is being greeted. Everything is loosely calm, and one member is playfully pestering the wolf. His tail raises as he intently licks, nips, and nudges the alpha, with the other members nearby. Suddenly the happy mood appears to turn sour, as the dominant male growls and grabs the member's muzzle with his jaws. The member, being a sensible creature, obediently falls to the ground and reveals his underside and throat; both sensitive parts. The alpha growls deeply, still firmly holding his muzzle. The other wolves surrounding him follow suite, snarling and yapping disapprovingly at the member. The alpha then lets to of the member's muzzle, and turns to rejoin his pack members. The member pauses for a moment, then quickly gets up, jumping into the pack. All of the wolves sniff each other, and casually lick one another, as the tension lifts. The mood soon turns back to happiness as the dominant male starts off, once more calm and assertive. Everything is back to normal. This is a common scene that plays in a wolf pack. But then again, wolves always find a way to surprise you.
--Members are expected to show their respect to the alpha. When the dominant animal approaches them, the lower-ranking wolf will likely crouch lower to the ground, tail lowered and ears flat. He will lick the alpha's muzzle in greeting, and then the two wolves will carry on.
--When a dominant animal is expecting or demanding submission, he often walks stiffly, his tail raised high and his ears pricked forward. This is likely when he will receive the submission mentioned above.
--Wolves often play, or do other activities together in harmony to beat away tension and to tighten bonds. A group of wolves may simply chase another, happily nipping at the other's heels. It is obvious that this is play through the ease of their movements, and their relaxed body postures; neither submissive nor dominant, merely calm and happy. Aside from playing games of chase, wolves can come up with all sorts of games. Perhaps, "who can steal the stick", or, a good ol' wrestling match.
NOTE: A wolf's actions make its rank. Also, even if a wolf misbehaves, perhaps repeatedly, it doesn't mean it simply gets "demoted", so it "learns a lesson". The wolf learns a lesson through corrections, not demotions. If you'd like some ideas on how to display your wolf's emotions through body language, please look at this site: www.timberwolfinformation.org/kidsonly/posture/postures.htm#tail
