;;Body Language

[-Mørke]

Dominance;;

A dominant wolf stands stiff legged and tall. The ears are erect and forward, and the hackles bristle slightly. Often the tail is held vertically and curled toward the back. This display asserts the wolf's rank to others in the pack. A dominant wolf may stare at a submissive one, or pin it to the ground.

Active Submission;;

During active submission, the entire body is lowered, and the lips and ears are drawn back. Sometimes active submission is accompanied by muzzle licking. The tail is placed down, or halfway or fully between the legs, and the muzzle often points up to the more dominant animal.

Passive Submission;;

Passive submission is more intense than active submission. The wolf rolls on its back and exposes its vulnerable throat and underside. The paws are drawn into the body, and the tail is curled underneath itself. This posture is often accompanied by whimpering.

Anger;;

An angry wolf's ears are erect, and its fur bristles. The lips may curl up or pull back, and the incisors are displayed. The wolf may also arch its back, lash out, or snarl.

Fear;;

A frightened wolf attempts to make itself look small and less conspicuous; the ears flatten against the head, and the tail may be tucked between the legs, as with a submissive wolf. There may also be whimpering or barks of fear, and the wolf may arch its back.

Defensive;;

A defensive wolf flattens its ears against its head, standing it's ground with stiff legs and pricked hackles.

Aggression;;

An aggressive wolf snarls and its fur bristles. The wolf may crouch, ready to attack if necessary. Lip will be lifted or pulled back showing canines. Tail level with hips.

Suspicion;;

Pulling back of the ears shows a wolf is suspicious. The wolf also narrows its eyes. The tail of a wolf that senses danger points straight out, parallel to the ground.

Relaxation;;

A relaxed wolf's tail points straight down, and the wolf may rest on its side. The wolf may also wag its tail. The further down the tail droops, the more relaxed the wolf is.

Tension;;

An aroused wolf's tail points straight out, and the wolf may crouch as if ready to spring.

Happiness;;

As dogs do, a wolf may wag its tail if in a joyful mood. The tongue may roll out of the mouth.

Hunting;;

A wolf that is hunting is tensed, and therefore the tail is horizontal and straight. Senses are alert, and silent signals are given to one another in the field.

Playfulness;;

A playful wolf holds its tail high and wags it. The wolf may frolic and dance around, or bow by placing the front of its body down to the ground, while holding the rear high, sometimes wagged.