Basic Scythe Hound Behaviors

Like humans, scythe hounds feel and express complex emotions. Like humans, they smile, laugh, and frown. Cataloged here are expressions that differ dramatically between our species.

-Aggressiveness. The tail is arched overhead like a scorpion’s stinger. The scruff may stand on end, and claws may be extended.
-Agitation. The scythe hound shifts most of their weight forward and extends foreclaws. Tail may arch or it might not, but it will probably swish back and forth.
-Familial affection. Scythe hounds show affection to those they know well by bumping foreheads. This is usually a platonic gesture.
-Informal Greeting. Two parties slam their left shoulders together.
-Congratulations. Two or more scythe hounds touch their tail scythes together to make a clanging sound. This is basically a high five.
-General contentment. Contented scythe hounds curl their tails inward a bit.

Or, for reference from the other side...

-Ears aimed outward. confusion
-Licking. Scythe hounds lick objects to feel their textures. They may also lick humans’ faces to see what their skin feels like. This is not necessarily an affectionate gesture, and most scythe hounds don't do that because they've been informed that humans don't appreciate it. On more than one occasion, humans have extended hands with the intent to shake and have been met with a long, wet, tongue.
-Preening oneself.  A scythe hound only preens when they feel safe and secure.
-Pacing [gait]. Scythe hounds only pace when they are particularly pleased with themselves.
-Stretching. A scythe hound stretches before and after sleep, so stretching may be a sign of exhaustion.
-Panting. Panting is an uncommon behavior among scythe hounds, and humans don’t know too much about its use. The best guess is that it’s an expression of prolonged exhilaration. In many cases it is used like laughter, but is quieter. Most scythe hounds pant while listening to music or watching movies or plays. They laugh also, but panting seems to be preferred for extented periods of time.
-Batting with paws. Scythe hounds bat at eachother like humans play-punch or slap each other on the backs.
-Chasing one’s tail- This action usually represents a sense of silliness and the willingness to play a game. It’s common between younglings.