Denali – Less Intimidating

Heidi Pinkerton

Since the August introduction, Denali has been a source of some angst for Grayson.  Denali’s size combined with his gregarious personality caused Grayson to retreat with a tucked tail, only to have that show of weakness result in more attention from Denali.  Staff worked diligently to improve Grayson’s confidence by feeding the pups among the adults and by controlling Denali’s behavior through some blocking techniques that are standard in wolf care training.  These efforts seem to have worked, with this postings photo of Grayson calming walking with Denali behind him.  Of course, it helps that the pup’s are gaining height and the world doesn’t see quite as big as it once was.