This is more of a caution than an attack on the other wolf, since the teeth don’t usually make contact with any fur or flesh.
As the dominant wolf winds through its pack, it may stop at a subordinate wolf, expecting respect from the wolf in an act of submission. The wolf may then perform active submission to the dominant leader (later explained).
In a deadly fight, however, a wolf may kill the other once their vulnerabilities are exposed. The pack leader may also snap at another wolf (without the teeth making contact) as a warning to the other wolf not to challenge them. Any other wolf may also do this when they are feeling aggressive toward another wolf.
This is not to be confused with a tail that’s tucked beneath their legs. A tucked tail indicates submission.
The first version of passive submission is while the wolf lies on its back. A wolf will drop down on their back and show their throat and belly to the dominant figure. Showing their vulnerabilities is a sign of trust and respect. When a dominant figure is present, the submissive wolf lowering his/her head and shoulders can indicate acknowledgment of their superiority. The subordinate wolf will also tuck its paws over its chest and may also whimper. If the dominant figure is showing more aggression towards the lower ranked wolf than usual, the lower ranked wolf may urinate. Its tail with either be tucked in or out. The dominant wolf will then lick the muzzle, throat, genitals, and anus of the submissive wolf. The second version of passive submission is while the wolf is crouching. The submissive wolf will simply crouch down with its ears smoothed down against its lowered head. It will curl in its tail and rear. This is similar to active submission except the dominant wolf will not nuzzle or lick the subordinate one.
The dominant wolf will look directly ahead with its fur erect while accepting the submissive wolf’s acknowledgement of the alpha’s dominance in the pack.
While feeling uncertainty, the wolf is confused as to whether it should submit to the dominant wolf or to fight. It can also mean that the wolf is confused as to whether it should fight or flee. While in a position of uncertainty, it may mean the wolf is about to give in to the dominant wolf.
If a wolf is feeling defensive toward another wolf, however, the wolf will perform the ambivalence display (teeth and gums bared and lips curled back) to try to warn the other wolf off.
Tail straight upward and pointing to the side while flicking slightly Tail lowered and pointing to the side Tail straight down and pointing to the side
