A Conceptual Framework for the Co-Construction of Human-Dog Dyadic Relationship

Dyadic co-construction, the mutual adaptation that occurs between dogs and their owners, is often discussed in terms of cooperation and participation, yet it remains poorly defined and under-conceptualized in the literature. This review proposed that self-determination theory (SDT), with its three core psychological needs-autonomy, competence, and relatedness (attachment)-offers a valuable framework for understanding this phenomenon within a dyadic context. The objectives of this review were twofold: (1) to conceptualize co-construction in owner-dog interactions through the lens of SDT, and (2) to propose methodological approaches for studying this process, while acknowledging their current limitations. Dyadic co-construction emerges as a dynamic, evolving process of mutual influence, shaped by biopsychosocial factors, individual and shared experiences, and the physical and social environments of both human and dog, as well as the dyad as a unit. Depending on the nature of the interaction, co-construction can be beneficial or detrimental. Positive training practices and secure attachment patterns in both humans and dogs tend to foster more harmonious co-construction, whereas aversive methods and insecure attachment may hinder it. Although existing methodologies offer promising insights into this process, they often lack standardization, statistical robustness, and true bidirectionality. This review underscores the need for more integrative, longitudinal, and empirically grounded approaches to fully capture the complexity and clinical relevance of owner-dog dyadic co-construction.