denali – Jun 3, 2008 12:00 AM

The pups are doing much better in programs with Red Paw showing the greatest tolerance for noise and activity. It’s the wolf care staff’s job to find items that distract the pups and encourage them to socially interact. Previously, we have been using a deer leg and a beaver tail, but that seemed to not get the same response as it did when it was introduced. So, at the 3 pm program today, Curator, Lori Schmidt, cut off a fresh deer tail from one of the roadkill in the freezer. Red Paw immediately took possession and defended it from Attila during the whole program. He aggressively growled, and ran with it anytime Attila approached. Of course, Attila, being Attila, was able to tug at it and get possession of it momentarily, but Red Paw is tenacious. After the program, Curator, Lori Schmidt attempted to get the tail back from Red Paw and he clamped down hard on her finger and wouldn't let go. Needless to say, Puppy teeth are extremely sharp and we now have our first pup canine bite for the year. It is important to try to offer a distraction before taking something from a possessive pup.