Animation Source Forums

The reason I believe Niju didnt further lead the wolves on that other piece of ice was because he was afraid of the water. Although I would find that kinda wierd because dogs are accustomed to the water, but maybe Niju has some bad memory of almost drowning or a relative dying from drowning in the water when he was little.

Err, Niju wasn't afraid of the water, he is afraid of change. Unless you mean when the pack was just visible at the horizon line, and then was asked to lead them.

And for the record of it, not all dogs like water. Mine hates water.

Guess you're right, havent seen the movie for a little while. And with how all dogs like water, I'll take a rain check on that because I'd agree that not all dogs like water.

Mighty's interpretation is essentially correct. Not to take sides here, or give you any notion that I am picking on you (which is the farthest thing from my intent), but a careful interpretation of the character, and the story itself, will demonstrate that Niju, for all his outward toughness, is indeed afraid of change and the unknown. He is comfortable with the status quo, and wants to take the quick and easy path to the future (and leadership of the pack). Even though Nava, Balto and Aleu come to demonstrate quite clearly that that path would lead to the pack's eventual demise. (Incidentally, there are certain breeds, and individual dogs, which are uncomfortable in the water, much less getting into it. That's simply an incontrovertible fact. Wolves however, as a species, have no fear of water.)

You know what? I believe he is afraid of both "change" and the water. That's in my opinion though.

He wasn't as scared of the water as opposed to change.

Though when he saw the water, he did make a frightened face.

well....at the final part when niju fall in the ocean... he is not such a good swimer but...no...he is not afarid of wather