"Rocky" wrote in message
...
Kathleen said in
rec.pets.dogs.behavior:

I suspect that rowdy play, romping and games like tugging
build their confidence because they are sort of like play
between packmates. Getting physical with them and allowing
them to get physical with you makes them feel accepted,
like a member of the family or pack.

I don't have any research or cites to back this up, it's
just my interpretation of what I've seen and experienced.

Add me to that data point.

I also agree. Based on my experiences with Muttley, as well as Lucky and a
few other dogs, they seem to respond well to a strong physical interaction.
I have seen Muttley act fearful when someone acts very tentatively and
cautiously with him, whereas those who act confidently soon gain his trust
and then he interacts normally with them. In his case, "normally" may mean
just ignoring them, while with those he does not fully trust, he may act
warily.

Paul and Muttley