Fall Calm?

Since Aidan asserted some active dominance over Boltz a few weeks ago, Boltz’s testing has diminished and the pack has been very calm. We also have reduced the number of programs and Behind the Scenes issues which stress out Aidan. If Aidan shows anxiety, Denali and Boltz are quick to take advantage of it. Historically, we know that the highest level of pack tension is when the new pups are between their first and 2nd year. The winter of 2001 – 2002 saw some dominance and the ultimate retirement of the 1993 litter when Shadow and Malik matured to 2 year olds. In 2006, Grizzer had a short bout of testing, but Shadow was such a strong pack leader, he showed Grizzer his place, and we had some good dynamics for several years. Aidan shows similar traits to Shadow and we will be watching to see if the same dynamics plays out with Aidan as the pack leader.