dyads
determine
whether
rolling
during
served as a
signal of submission
whether
combat
maneuver
adopted
ongoing
sequence
results
provide
strong
support
latter
absence
indication
agonism
frequency
occurred
determined
primarily
length
discrepancy
partner size
probability
occur and there was no evidence that smaller dogs were more likely to rollover or to sustain a supine posture for longer, if they did. The supine phase of rollovers was significantly skewed to short durations. Most rollovers were either defensive (evading a nape bite) or offensive (launching an attack). None could be categorized as submissive. We conclude that asymmetries in the performance of rollovers cannot be assumed to point to asymmetries in the relationships between play partners.
This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Canine Behavior.