Table A1.

Definitions of behaviours recorded

Behaviour	Definition
Dominant behaviours
Dominant approach	To go forward within 2 m to another subject with the tail perpendicularly or above the plane of the back, the ears erect and pointed forwards and head held high
Head on	The animal approaches another and often puts its head on the other's shoulder. Formation looks like a capital T
Mark	To urinate with the hind legs lifted up in the air, mostly near or on bushes, trees or other objects
Mark over	To deliberately mark beside or on top of the urine mark of another animal
Muzzle bite	To grab the muzzle of another animal; it can be soft or with enough pressure to make the grabbed animal whimper
Ride up	To mount another animal from behind or from the side, also often seen during the breeding season
Stand over	To stand over opponent's body, or place the forepaws on the opponent and stand tall over him
Stand tall	Drawing up to full height and appearing as large as possible. May include raised hackles, ears erect and tail perpendicularly or above the back
T-position	An animal moves in front of another to stop it or make it change direction. The animal that blocks has tail up and may have hackles up and ears in front
Submissive behaviours
Active submission	To be in a crouched position, tail tucked between the legs, sometimes wagging it. May attempt to paw or to lick the side of aggressor's muzzle
Crouch	To lower the head, bend the legs, the back often arched and the tail between the legs. The animal looks hunched and smaller
Flee	To walk or run away from another animal with tail tucked up and body ducked
Passive submission	To lie on the back, show the stomach, the tail between the legs. The ears directed backwards and close to the head and inguinal presentation