Sparring-Initiation

Actions or movement that cause a bout of Sparring to begin. Sparring-Initiation includes many of the same behaviors that are listed for Solicit-Sparring, but this term is used to encompass behavior engaged in specifically to initiate a new bout.

References: Poole & Granli 2021. (Full reference list)

This behavioral constellation includes the following behaviors: Chin-Out, Foot-Forward, Head-Waggling and occurs in the following context(s): Social Play

Sparring-Initiation

Context: Social Play (1)

Two males in their early 20s stand facing one another, each with a Foot-Forward, their Ears-Stiff in an expectant posture. The right hand male additionally stands with his Chin-Out. They occasionally jut their Chins-Out and touch one another. The male on the right Back-Away, both stand Head-Low in a subordinate, unthreatening posture and display Ear-Spreading. The left hand male presses his advantage as the right hand male stands waiting, Ears-Spread, Chin-Out. The left hand male Ear-Slaps lightly and raises his head ready to Spar, the right hand male likewise raises his and they engage. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)