Denali – Who’s Behind Me?

When the Youtube video was processed this week, there were subtle, but significant behaviors in the Exhibit Pack.  In Aidan’s log reference was made about the blocking behavior conducted by Boltz towards Aidan while the yearlings were in the pond.  Subtle in that there was no contact, but significant in the Boltz displayed a T-2 tail while Aidan averted his gaze and walked up the hill with a low tail and flat ears.  In the following few minutes of video, video revealed Denali coming out of the pond immediately followed by Grayson.  The behavior to note is the tail postures and the ear positions.  Grayson has ears pricked forward and a tail slightly above his back (T-1), as Grayson continues to follow, Denali’s ears go flatter in submission and his tail drops lower in confidence the longer Grayson follows him.  Of course, where one yearling goes, so shall the other.  With two yearlings following Denali, it’s clear that the behavior is having a desired effect.  Denali later put up a submissive paw and submitted to Axel with Grayson “Standing Tall’ over Denali.  These subtle behaviors will be noted throughout the summer, but the real action will likely occur as the yearlings near two years of age.  Denali has been through it before with Boltz and Luna and seems to be on the alert to the events of the day.