Boltz -Mixed Signals

Boltz is displaying a T-2 tail posture that indicates a more assertive posture, whether it be related to dominance, predatory or investigation behavior.  The mixed signal is in Boltz’s ear posture.  While his tail shows assertive behavior, his ears are pricked and turned sideways, usually an indication of tension.  The other notable postures in this photo is that Aidan is standing tall, his ears are also pricked and turned sideways, with a slight wag to his T-2 Tail.  Our interpretation of this response is that he’s facing off with Boltz and confronting Boltz’s display, but there’s a slight anxiety about the interaction show in the ear posture and tail wag.  It’s been our experience with the testing of previous pack leaders, that these subtle behaviors can be important when predicting the loss of confidence in a dominant wolf.