Denali – A Chin Rest

Denali is demonstrating a chin rest on Boltz, but his ears pricked to the side don’t demonstrate a lot of confidence in his actions.  If you look at Boltz’s ears, he doesn’t display a lot of confidence in the behavioral interaction either.  This is the dynamics between a subordinate male (Boltz) and a passive second ranking male (Denali).  Denali never really displays behaviors to increase his rank.  He seems to be comfortable being subordinate to his dominant pack mate, Aidan.  But, when Boltz started showing an interest in climbing rank, Denali appeared to reluctantly show some status.  Fortunately for Denali, Boltz has a timid behavior seems to go with the flow.  Will two more male pups change this dynamic?  Not likely until they reach maturity around 18 – 24 months of age, by then, Denali and Aidan will be getting ready for retirement.