Regarding the first question: it can be noted that Eric has a higher level of sensitivity compared to Josh in their tolerance of violence and morbidity: "Josh was using the coon carcass as a tug toy, locked in a battle with the pup" versus "One glimpse of fluffy ringed tail and bloody, popped eyeballs was enough. Eric focused his attention ahead, on Junior and Rosie." We can guess that Josh developed learned behaviors from Junior, his father, who displays an indifference to the killing of animals, both wild and domestic, as shown by his intention to kill the pup Rosie because she abandoned the hunt and was therefore regarded by Junior as a "worthless piece of shit." Whereas at this same occasion, we see Grandpap showing a level of consideration for Eric's feelings by refusing to let the pup be killed in front of Eric, knowing he would be traumatized by such an event.