Aidan – Intense Response

In the last week, we have returned to cooler temperatures and this seems to have stimulated some dominance behavior.  Boltz has been quick to test Aidan and is posturing for rank, likely motivated by a hormonal response.  In addition to this stress in Aidan’s life, he suffered some stiffness in his back legs likely due to the glare ice conditions of a warm spell followed by an artic blast.  When Aidan is showing weakness, Boltz gains confidence.  As Aidan reaches 9 years of age, we need to increase our diligence in observing any physical or behavioral vulnerability to the pack leader.  In the case of Aidan’s stiffness, he responded well to a 6 day course of anti-inflammatory medication and re-affirmed his rank.