Luna – Trigger Points

Luna’s behavior has been the topic of our webinars, wolf logs and daily wolf checks.  We are addressing this from all angles.  First and foremost, we are doing medical assessments, meaning that she might have a heightened pain response from being so focused, camping out in the same spot for hours waiting for pups.  This could cause more stiffness and she might be more inclined to be assertive due to discomfort or as a defensive response to being weaker.  We certainly do see more joint stiffness on hot, humid days.  We are also incorporating some massage work to relieve some tense muscles and she has responded well to that.  Secondly, we are approaching this as a behavioral response and will be employing distractions in the upcoming weeks to help socialize her to the activity of the pups.  Lastly, this might be an environmental response to enclosure design and access points that might trigger some guarding behavior especially when unfamiliar people are around the pups.  We know when Luna’s showing more stability because she will be side-by-side with Aidan and all is calm.  We also know when she’s not as indicated by this photo.