Actual and Perceived Control during Canine-Human Interactions

Two field studies were conducted investigating both the perception and exercise of control during canine-human interactions. In the first experiment, illusions of high and low control were found to develop as a function of the interaction between a contiguous or noncontiguous association of the Ss' behavior (a command) with the dog's response (obedience) and the objective controllability of the situation (untrained vs. trained dog). The second study revealed that experience with interpersonal control (occupational control) apparently generalizes to the exertion of control while walking an untrained dog and that those rated at the lower end of this dimension perceived themselves as in a virtually uncontrollable situation. The research was discussed in light of the effects of contiguity between behavior and outcome upon the perception of control and the relatively pervasive generalization of response styles ordinarily presumed to be suggestive of a control orientation.