Who beats Buck with a club early in the story?

In the early part of "The Call of the Wild," Buck encounters a man known as the man in the red sweater, who symbolizes the brutal, harsh reality of the new world Buck is entering. This character uses a club to assert dominance over Buck, effectively breaking his spirit and demonstrating the brutal treatment that sled dogs often endure. This interaction serves as a pivotal moment for Buck, marking the beginning of his transition from a domesticated pet to a creature of the wild. The encounter highlights the theme of survival and the brutal nature of the environment that Buck must navigate, setting the stage for his eventual transformation throughout the story.