Wolves use body language (the way the present themselves) to communicate, this way another wolf will know exactly what they are thinking. For example when a kill is made the two alpha wolves eat first, a lower ranking wolf will come in lowering it body, ears laid back.It is, in effect asking for permission to feed. They also use a varity of sounds to show their moods.
Here are some other examples of Sounds and Body postures:
Sounds
*Bark - Loud welcoming gesture. Can be playful, serious or even chastising.
*Chuff - Soft, under the breath bark. Playful but mostly affectionate.
*Yip/Yap - High Pitched bark common to puppies.
*Woof - Low, deep bark common to older wolves.
*Murr - Romantic sound between mates. Likened to a purr.
*Griggle - Distinct wolf laughter, a mix of a giggle and a non-threatening growl.
*Whimper - Sad, high pitched sound. Often in pain.
*Whine - Fearful or sad gesture. Also a sign of submission.
*Yelp - Short high pitched whine of shock or pain.
*Yawn - Sounds a bit like an elongated growl.
*Growl - Infamous sound, usually shows anger or dominance. Threatening but can also be used playfully
*Snarl - Extremely angry and threatening growl, throaty and final.
*Howl - Continuous echo. Used to call wolves together and communicate over long distances, howling is a bonding sound, somtimes accompanying a kill, it is a sound that is often used to strengthen bonds within the pack
Actions
*Pad - Slow walk. Named for the pads of a wolf's paw.
*Pounce - Playful gesture of bouncing toward another wolf, often landing with front legs bended.
*Tackle - Typical result of pouncing. Jumping on another to playfully (or angrily) take them down.
*Sniff - A normal greeting and way of gaining more information about a wolf.
*Nuzzle - Affectionate gesture of greeting, respect and affection
*Lick - Affectionate gesture between relations.
*Slurp - Affectionate, lengthy lick that leaves LOTS of slobber.
*Nibble - Playful gesture of chewing on another wolf. Usually ears, tail or paws.
*Chase - Playful or angry gesture. Also done during hunting.
*Hunt - A survival act. The circle of life, the food chain. Hunting and killing an animal for food.
*Tail Wag - One of many tail positions described below. Friendly and welcoming.
Postures - Tail
*Tail held high in the air indicates the wolf is the dominant wolf, most likely an alpha.
*Stiff horizontal tail indicates that the wolf is going to attack, is hunting, is angry or is annoyed.
*A wagging tail indicates that the wolf is relaxed and even happy.
*A half drooped tail indicates the wolf is relatively relaxed.
*Fully dropped tails show that the wolf is even more relaxed, very calm.
*A half tucked tail comes with a partially arched back. Submission and humility to another.
*A fully tucked tail comes with highly arched back and shows extreme fear.
Tail Position Picture Explanations
1-The tail is held erect and high. This signifies a leadership role. The alpha male and the alpha female are the ones that normally hold their tail in this position. This is also a sign of confidence.
2-Attack arousal. The wolf is not sure what is going to happen, but is taking a posture that can be either offensive or defensive. This is a "ready for aggression" posture.
3-Imposing attitude with sideways brushing. The wolf holding its tail like this is a confident animal.
4-Normal tail position. This is a common tail position when the wolf is eating or observing. It shows interest in something.
5-Very relaxed position. This occurs in a situation when there is no social pressure.
6-Submissive position. This position indicates to other wolves that no aggressive behavior is fourth coming.
7-An extreme sign of submission and/or fear.
Postures - Body
*Body low/crouching is a sign of sneakiness and is common during hunting and attacking.
*Body tight and turned with a snarl is used when a wolf is defensive or feeling threatened.
*Laying on the ground, underbelly exposed indicated passive submission.
*Body low to the ground, head kept below another wolf's shows active submission.
*Body relaxed and running is just playful. Body tight, tail tucked while running shows fear.
*Front legs bent, rear body still in the air shows playfulness and often an impending pounce.
*Front of body extended but tail tucked and back arched shows fear and aggressiveness at once.
Active Submission
A dominant wolf is approached by a subordinate one that usually starts licking the former as an expression of submission. It also lays back its ears in deference, and lowers its body relatively to the dominant wolf.
Fighting and Pin Down
In fight or play, when one wolf pins down another, it shows its dominance. To emphasize its control, the dominant wolf may hold the subordinate's snout between its teeth for a short time. An even more aggressive way to show dominance is to grip the subordinate in its throat or neck, as they do with a preys or enemies. Another indication of dominance is its raised tail. The more vertical the tail is raised the more it wants to impress.
Passive Submission
The subordinate wolf lies down on its side or back to show its total submission to the dominant wolf. The latter has its tail raised, which is a dominant gesture, and, in addition, it stares at the subordinate one to affirm its dominance.
Play Bow
The forelegs are stretch before it, flat ot the ground, and the hindquarters are thrust upwards. This posture expresses an invitation to play.
Running In Fear
The wolf expresses fear by flattening its ears, and holding its tail between the legs. Its head is also lowered as a sign of anxiety or submission.Also teeth are commonly bared.
Yearling Submits
A yearling is always subordinate to an older and mature wolf, and shows its proper place by lowering itself and laying back its ears in submission. The older wolf, however, shows his higher status by erecting its ears, raising its tail and shackles, in order to make itself appear bigger.
Postures put in Simple Terms
HUMILIATION AND FEAR
Tail: Down and curved back for humiliation; down and between legs for fear.
FEAR
Ears: Back
Tail: Between legs
Teeth: Bared
DEFENSE
Ears: Back
Tail: Back
Teeth: Bared
ATTACKING
Ears: Forward
Tail: Down
Body: Poised
Teeth: Bared
RUNNING IN PLAY
Ears: Raised
Tail: Relaxed and down
Teeth: Not bared
