Sound Research WIKINDX

"Dog–human games are frequently claimed to have effects upon the relationship between the players. Consistently allowing a dog to win games is alleged to result in the dog perceiving itself as stronger than its owner, leading to subsequent conflict and behavioural problems McBride, 1995. This idea is based on extrapolation of intraspecific behaviours, particularly those of the wolf. Winning possession of toys is described as simulating the winning of the battle for the best meat at the end of a pack hunt  Appleby, 1997, p. 182., which can have consequences for the social hierarchy. This idea assumes that play is a contest and the goal is to possess the toy. Although this was the case during dog–dog play, we saw no evidence for it during dog–human play. Since dogs react differently to human and dog play partners, we see no reason to assume that the consequences of dog–human games are the same as dog–dog games. Decreased competitiveness may mean that the outcome of dog–human games is less likely to affect the players’ relationship than has been suggested by some authors."

Appleby, D., 1997. Ain’t Misbehavin: A Good Behaviour Guide for Family Dogs. Broadcast Books, Bristol.