Curving to avoid conflict is common in canines. Albear (left) demonstrates well.

Albear curves, turns head and eye to avoid discipline from Havana.

Havana demonstrates a very controlled snarl.

Albear gets the message and turns away. Havana (top left) disengages from the relationship.

Albear pokes, pokes, and pokes some more. Havana stands patient.

Havana has enough of the poking game and bites Albear. These types of bites are ritualised and controled.

Albear complies but wishes he were still able to poke. He even curves to avoid conflict.

Dominance is about what an individual wants more than the other at that particular time. Albear wants the toy more than the usually dominant Havana does.

Warning snarl from Havana (right)

A very impolite Albear sits on Havana.

Albear gives a big tongue flick to make peace after sitting on Havana. Albear turns eye but Havana stares on.

Albear brings a toy as a peace offering. He touches Havana's paw and she accepts by touching back.

Stretch - stress release signal.

Turning eye and turning head - avoidance signal.

Turning head and whale eye - avoidance signals.

Havan micro tongue flicks - avoidance signal