Hellhound society is built upon a foundation of strict, unambiguous social stratification. An individual's place within the hierarchy is not fluid; once established between two hellhounds, their relative status is considered permanent and is rarely, if ever, challenged successfully. The Greeting Ritual: Cementing the Pecking Order All social interactions are preceded by a formal greeting ritual that reinforces the established power dynamic. The specific ritual is determined by the perceived status between the two individuals. Between Equals: When two hellhounds of relatively equal status meet, they perform a mutual scent-marking ceremony. They take turns sniffing and briefly licking each other's anogenital area. The marginally more dominant individual of the pair initiates the ritual, going first, with the other reciprocating immediately after. This is a sign of mutual respect and recognition. Between Superior and Inferior: When a significant status gap exists, the greeting is non-reciprocal and explicitly symbolic. The inferior hellhound is required to present themselves by bending over. The dominant hellhound then approaches and performs a quick, static anal penetration that lasts three seconds before disengaging. This is not a sexual act but a powerful physical reaffirmation of dominance and submission. Failure to present for this ritual is a severe breach of etiquette. Consequences of Improper Greeting: The Defense of Honor A hellhound that is not greeted according to their perceived station has been gravely insulted. Their honor must be restored through a formalized process of domination. The offended party must immediately challenge the perpetrator. If the perpetrator is already of a much lower status (a "bitch"), the challenge is instead issued to their owner or master, holding them responsible for their subordinate's behavior. The conflict is resolved through a physical and psychological process known as "hellhound bitching," which will be detailed separately. The outcome of this process forcibly re-establishes the correct hierarchy, often through the complete and utter subjugation of the offending party. This also allows a party offended with the presumption of submission to prove their strength against the offended party.