A: Wolf Behavior guides

[Lively]

Okay this is a little guide that may help many during RP. Feel free to ask any questions about it or anything. Thank you!

Submission

A wolf will submit to another wolf when it shows respect or has lost against that wolf in a fight. It isn't quite fear but a little more uniform. The alphas often require submission as a sign of respect and dominance.

The Attack

This wolf is ready to leap and attack. Notice the position of the ears and tail. Often in this situation the wolf and which ever adversary it may be facing will pause and have a short stalemate until one of the animals either attacks or stands down.

Defense

This wolf is taking a defensive stand against whatever enemy it may be fighting. The ears are tucked back, the body braced. This wolf may not want a fight but rather be trying to ward off an enemy. This may be accompanied by growling or snarling.

Wrestling

These wolves are wrestling. One wolf has the other pinned by it's shoulder and is showing dominance. Notice his tail is high declaring his victory.

Playfulness

This wolf is ready for some fun. His ears are perky and his tail right in the middle. His body crouched ready to playfully leap.

Fear

This wolf is running in fear, most probably from an enemy it could not overcome. Sadly, one of the wolves biggest enemies is humanity.

Playing

This wolf is running playfully and happily along. It may wrestle or play with another member of it's pack.

Dominance

These wolves show dominance in play. Notice how one wolf shrugs in respect under the shadow of it's superior. The dominant wolf is most likely an alpha and the submissive one a pack member under it's command.



Body language:

Wolves can communicate visually through a variety of expressions
and moods ranging from subtle signals, such as a slight shift in
weight, to more obvious ones, such as rolling on their backs to indicate
complete submission.[100]


* 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, pin it to the ground, "ride up" on its shoulders,
or even stand on its hind legs.
* Submission (active) – During active submission, the entire
body is lowered, and the lips and ears are drawn back. Sometimes active
submission is accompanied by muzzle licking, or the rapid thrusting out
of the tongue
and lowering of the hindquarters. The tail is placed down, or halfway
or fully between the legs, and the muzzle often points up to the more
dominant animal. The back may be partly arched as the submissive wolf
humbles itself to its superior; a more arched back and more tucked tail
indicate a greater level of submission.
* Submission (passive) – 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. 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.
* Aggression – An aggressive wolf snarls and its fur bristles.
The wolf may crouch, ready to attack if necessary.
* 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 sphinx-like or 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.
* 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. This resembles the playful behavior of
domestic dogs.

~Skulls