Post by Azaelia on Mar 17, 2015 15:30:20 GMT -8
"The Tail
The tail is a very good indicator of submission and dominance in any and every case between wolves. The tail may also show fear or bravery, happiness and sadness or anger. The tail of the canine is what facial expressions are to humans.
Here is a photo of a wolf that is completely at ease and relaxed. The ears are laid atop the head, listening to its surroundings-- not pulled forward aggressively. The body is comfortable and the wolf stands upright in confidence (Not showing off, but in a care-free manner). The tail is limp and down. This position can be seen on any wolf-- rogue, subordinate, dominant alpha. This pose is simply a relaxed position.
Above, a friendly wolf is pictured, with its tail down and tip curled slightly outward, indicating a happy manner and referring to a wagging tail.
This wolf shows a threatening/defensive posture. The tail is curled downward and close to the body. If the tail were much more limp, then the tail position could almost be a normal tail position, but the higher the base of the tail is, the more threatening it is; The closer the tail is to the body, the more defensive it is. This tail position would not necessarily be seen on a higher ranking wolf, but among subordinates, this can be a form of submission, or rather, submission with an attitude. On other occasions, this could be the position of a wolf that is being threatened, causing the above wolf to act in a defensive manner while showing that it is a threat and will bite if threatened by the opposing threat any further.
((Referring to the image on the right) This tail posture is one of worry or defense, depending on the lift of the base and curl of the tip. Another posture that may be seen on any wolf, though seen as submission of a superior wolf if presented as defense.
A self assured wolf is a wolf who's tail is downward but out and friendly-like-- or more, not threatening (unless the base of the tail is lifted, then it could mean a confident aggressive wolf.) This tail posture could indicate that the wolf is sure that he can take care of himself in his situation, or is not worried about an attack from an opposing wolf. Obvious to say, a tail position for any wolf of any rank, though in some cases, it could be taken as a dominant/rebellious action.
This wolf (The black), however, sports a tail of threat and insecure aggression, but also a tail that could suggest an imposing attitude. The tail is very high, as a dominant/aggressive appearance, and the tip pointed toward the head of the wolf. Depending on the wolf's surroundings (As in other wolves) this may be done by any. This may be done by a superior wolf to show dominance, or even a subordinate wolf to its more submissive pack mates as a dominant display.
Now the above tail position is that of an aggressive/threatening wolf. The tail is is up and out, bent at two points (near the middle-bottom and near the tip). May be done by any wolf that wishes to show severe threat/possible attack.
Lastly is the tail position of the alphas-- A dominant tail, risen like a banner to exclaim self-confidence (middle two wolves). This tail may be done, also, as a dominant display among subordinates to other subordinates or lower ranking wolves.
(Left) Dominant, confident wolf | (Middle) Fearful, worried wolf (Attacking out of fear and to hopefully deter other wolves from joining the fight) | (Right) Aggressive, threatening wolf, the one actually attacking the fearful wolf.
The Ears
Though the ears are a less behavioral object among the wolves, it is still used in certain circumstance to address whether or not the wolf is aggressive or passive.
When a wolf is acting out aggressively the ears may lay back, to the side, or will be pulled forward. Usually, in a dominant aggressive/ dominant threatening posture, the ears will be pulled forward. In an uncertain/uncertain-aggressive wolf, the ears will lay to the side or slightly back. In a submissive, fearful, or defensive state, the ears may lay to the side or will be lying flat against the crown of the head. For the more fearful wolf, the ears will be laid back flat and low on the head.
Dominant aggressive/Threatening | Uncertain Aggressive | Uncertain Aggressive | Uncertain/Fearful Aggressive
Passive/Submissive | Uncertain/Worried
Usually ear positions are determined by the rest of the body (ie) If you have a wolf in a relaxed position with it's ears forward, it is simply alert and relaxed, rather than aggressive or threatening.
Relaxed and alert | Relaxed submissive/Simply listening to the forest behind it.
Eye Contact
A very important part of body language are the eyes. Eye contact is a form of submission, friendliness, and aggression in most cases between animals and even people.
A direct stare with wide open eyes into the eyes of another indicates a threat, aggression, or dominance. This may be seen as a challenge and may often-- especially with the right body language-- create a conflict between two wolves. Even if a wolf is acting submissively but their eye contact is direct, it could indicate defiance if it were between a dominant wolf and the submissive wolf in a dominance display. It would almost be like a parent scolding their child who talks back. Even if the child doesn't talk back, if that child were to stare angrily into the parents' eyes, it could be seen as rebellion and defiance.
A diverted gaze is a more submissive or passive act, done by an uncertain or submissive wolf. The wolf may look up anxiously at the dominant wolf and then away, showing that it is not a threat. However, a truly regretful or submissive eye position would be when the eyes are directed downward at the ground or paws and not ever back to the dominant wolf. In a way, it's almost like saying "I'm looking away from you so I don't know what to expect, thus I am giving you the power to kill me right now." just like an 'alpha roll', in which a submissive wolf rolls over to expose all vital organs.
For a non-dominant but non-submissive stare, a wolf may stare at the nose of the wolf and watch the wolf with its peripheral vision, rather than staring directly at them. However, a direct stare through more narrowed eyes and/or accompanied by multiple blinks indicates that the wolf is observing you, but not glaring at you. A friendly glance to others.
Stances
A wolf may easily shift its body from a passive stance to an aggressive stance with just even tensing up its muscles. Stances almost allow wolves to tell what might happen next in a confrontation, and certain stances can act as a warning to others (With the help of eye contact, tail, and ear postures).
An attacking wolf may hold its body tense and ready to fly at its opponent. A wolf that is acting defensively may hold itself lowered but still tense, though instead of ready to fling itself at the offender, it has its body moved so that it can find an escape route as quick as possible, or even to evade the attacking wolf's lunge. For a submissive wolf, it can hold its body lowered and semi-limp. A fearful wolf may hold itself down in a crouched position, but very tense. A dominant wolf will hold its head and body high.
Hackles
Hackles also help these passive and aggressive situations. Hackles are used to make the wolf appear larger, either for a fearful wolf to make the attacking wolf think twice, or a dominant wolf to make the rebellious subordinates think twice about rebelling."
The tail is a very good indicator of submission and dominance in any and every case between wolves. The tail may also show fear or bravery, happiness and sadness or anger. The tail of the canine is what facial expressions are to humans.
Here is a photo of a wolf that is completely at ease and relaxed. The ears are laid atop the head, listening to its surroundings-- not pulled forward aggressively. The body is comfortable and the wolf stands upright in confidence (Not showing off, but in a care-free manner). The tail is limp and down. This position can be seen on any wolf-- rogue, subordinate, dominant alpha. This pose is simply a relaxed position.
Above, a friendly wolf is pictured, with its tail down and tip curled slightly outward, indicating a happy manner and referring to a wagging tail.
This wolf shows a threatening/defensive posture. The tail is curled downward and close to the body. If the tail were much more limp, then the tail position could almost be a normal tail position, but the higher the base of the tail is, the more threatening it is; The closer the tail is to the body, the more defensive it is. This tail position would not necessarily be seen on a higher ranking wolf, but among subordinates, this can be a form of submission, or rather, submission with an attitude. On other occasions, this could be the position of a wolf that is being threatened, causing the above wolf to act in a defensive manner while showing that it is a threat and will bite if threatened by the opposing threat any further.
((Referring to the image on the right) This tail posture is one of worry or defense, depending on the lift of the base and curl of the tip. Another posture that may be seen on any wolf, though seen as submission of a superior wolf if presented as defense.
A self assured wolf is a wolf who's tail is downward but out and friendly-like-- or more, not threatening (unless the base of the tail is lifted, then it could mean a confident aggressive wolf.) This tail posture could indicate that the wolf is sure that he can take care of himself in his situation, or is not worried about an attack from an opposing wolf. Obvious to say, a tail position for any wolf of any rank, though in some cases, it could be taken as a dominant/rebellious action.
This wolf (The black), however, sports a tail of threat and insecure aggression, but also a tail that could suggest an imposing attitude. The tail is very high, as a dominant/aggressive appearance, and the tip pointed toward the head of the wolf. Depending on the wolf's surroundings (As in other wolves) this may be done by any. This may be done by a superior wolf to show dominance, or even a subordinate wolf to its more submissive pack mates as a dominant display.
Now the above tail position is that of an aggressive/threatening wolf. The tail is is up and out, bent at two points (near the middle-bottom and near the tip). May be done by any wolf that wishes to show severe threat/possible attack.
Lastly is the tail position of the alphas-- A dominant tail, risen like a banner to exclaim self-confidence (middle two wolves). This tail may be done, also, as a dominant display among subordinates to other subordinates or lower ranking wolves.
(Left) Dominant, confident wolf | (Middle) Fearful, worried wolf (Attacking out of fear and to hopefully deter other wolves from joining the fight) | (Right) Aggressive, threatening wolf, the one actually attacking the fearful wolf.
The Ears
Though the ears are a less behavioral object among the wolves, it is still used in certain circumstance to address whether or not the wolf is aggressive or passive.
When a wolf is acting out aggressively the ears may lay back, to the side, or will be pulled forward. Usually, in a dominant aggressive/ dominant threatening posture, the ears will be pulled forward. In an uncertain/uncertain-aggressive wolf, the ears will lay to the side or slightly back. In a submissive, fearful, or defensive state, the ears may lay to the side or will be lying flat against the crown of the head. For the more fearful wolf, the ears will be laid back flat and low on the head.
Dominant aggressive/Threatening | Uncertain Aggressive | Uncertain Aggressive | Uncertain/Fearful Aggressive
Passive/Submissive | Uncertain/Worried
Usually ear positions are determined by the rest of the body (ie) If you have a wolf in a relaxed position with it's ears forward, it is simply alert and relaxed, rather than aggressive or threatening.
Relaxed and alert | Relaxed submissive/Simply listening to the forest behind it.
Eye Contact
A very important part of body language are the eyes. Eye contact is a form of submission, friendliness, and aggression in most cases between animals and even people.
A direct stare with wide open eyes into the eyes of another indicates a threat, aggression, or dominance. This may be seen as a challenge and may often-- especially with the right body language-- create a conflict between two wolves. Even if a wolf is acting submissively but their eye contact is direct, it could indicate defiance if it were between a dominant wolf and the submissive wolf in a dominance display. It would almost be like a parent scolding their child who talks back. Even if the child doesn't talk back, if that child were to stare angrily into the parents' eyes, it could be seen as rebellion and defiance.
A diverted gaze is a more submissive or passive act, done by an uncertain or submissive wolf. The wolf may look up anxiously at the dominant wolf and then away, showing that it is not a threat. However, a truly regretful or submissive eye position would be when the eyes are directed downward at the ground or paws and not ever back to the dominant wolf. In a way, it's almost like saying "I'm looking away from you so I don't know what to expect, thus I am giving you the power to kill me right now." just like an 'alpha roll', in which a submissive wolf rolls over to expose all vital organs.
For a non-dominant but non-submissive stare, a wolf may stare at the nose of the wolf and watch the wolf with its peripheral vision, rather than staring directly at them. However, a direct stare through more narrowed eyes and/or accompanied by multiple blinks indicates that the wolf is observing you, but not glaring at you. A friendly glance to others.
Stances
A wolf may easily shift its body from a passive stance to an aggressive stance with just even tensing up its muscles. Stances almost allow wolves to tell what might happen next in a confrontation, and certain stances can act as a warning to others (With the help of eye contact, tail, and ear postures).
An attacking wolf may hold its body tense and ready to fly at its opponent. A wolf that is acting defensively may hold itself lowered but still tense, though instead of ready to fling itself at the offender, it has its body moved so that it can find an escape route as quick as possible, or even to evade the attacking wolf's lunge. For a submissive wolf, it can hold its body lowered and semi-limp. A fearful wolf may hold itself down in a crouched position, but very tense. A dominant wolf will hold its head and body high.
Hackles
Hackles also help these passive and aggressive situations. Hackles are used to make the wolf appear larger, either for a fearful wolf to make the attacking wolf think twice, or a dominant wolf to make the rebellious subordinates think twice about rebelling."
-Raven
