Here's a breakdown of the conflict:
* External Conflict:
* The rabid wolf, a powerful and dangerous predator, poses a direct threat to the safety of the family, particularly the young children, Travis and Arliss.
* The wolf also threatens the family's livelihood by attacking their livestock, particularly their cattle.
* Internal Conflict:
* Travis, the protagonist, struggles with the responsibility of protecting his family and the farm from the wolf.
* He grapples with his fear of the wolf and the difficult choices he has to make to protect his loved ones.
* He also faces the moral dilemma of having to put down Old Yeller, his beloved dog, after the dog contracts rabies from the wolf.
The novel explores the themes of courage, loyalty, sacrifice, and coming of age, as Travis confronts his fears and learns the hard lessons of life in the Texas frontier. The conflict with the wolf acts as a catalyst for Travis's growth and development as a young man.