Play Behavior in Wolves: Using the ‘50:50’ Rule to Test for Egalitarian Play Styles

Abstract

Social play is known as a cooperative interaction between individuals involving multiple mechanisms. However, the extent to which the equality of individuals’ play styles affects the interaction has not been studied in many species. Dyadic play between wolf puppies, as well as between puppies and adults, was studied to investigate both self-handicapping and offensive behaviors to determine the extent to which wolves engage in play styles where one individual does not dominate the play. Our results did not support the hypothesized ‘50:50’ rule, which suggests that more advantaged individuals should show higher rates of self-handicapping behaviors in order to facilitate play with others. Adult wolves performed significantly less self-handicapping behaviors than their puppy partners, and they performed significantly more offensive behaviors than their puppy partners. While the ‘50:50’ rule was not supported at any time during our study period, dyads consisting of two puppies had significantly more equal play than dyads consisting of one puppy and one adult. These results suggest that wolf puppies are more likely to play on equal terms with similarly-aged play partners, while the dominance status of the partners dictates offensive and self-handicapping behaviors between animals of different ages.

Investigating the Function of Play Bows in Dog and Wolf Puppies (Canis lupus familiaris, Canis lupus occidentalis)

“…All wolves were born in captivity. Dogs observed in 2014 were born at the center, and spent at least four hours per day with a trainer and other puppies (without the mother) (see [29] for additional information). Both species were kept in a similar manner and therefore have the same life experiences in order to compare the two without fundamental differences in ontogeny.…”

“…One set of wolf puppies was observed in 2009 and one in 2012 [29]. Each pack consisted of six wolf puppies with both kin and non-kin (no more than two individuals from one litter per pack).…”

“…Permission from management at the Wolf Science Center was obtained to review and analyze previously recorded videos. Some of these videos and data have been analyzed and published (for descriptive information about these videos see [29]). Filming for these interactions took place in the animal’s home enclosures, which were large, fenced outdoor areas; elevated areas used for shelters, as well as trees, brush, and occasionally fallen tree trunks.…”

In wolves, play behaviour reflects the partners' affiliative and dominance relationship

“…Further suggestive evidence for the dominance assessment hypothesis is provided by a recent study investigating play behaviour in wolf pups. Essler et al. (2016) found that pups did not adhere to the 50:50 rule, that is, dyads did not alternate in their winning and losing roles during play, but rather an individual was likely to maintain a constant dominant or submissive role during play with a specific partner.…”

The Association Between Play Fighting and Information Gathering during Subsequent Contests

“…While juvenile play has been suggested to aid in the formation of strong social bonds 5,13 that are required for cooperation, it may also serve to ameliorate tensions between competing individuals within a social group 11,[14][15][16] . Additionally, given the similarities observed between juvenile social play and certain adult behaviours (such as fighting and mating), it may provide individuals with an opportunity to practice and develop the skills required to perform these behaviours in a relatively safe environment 17,18 , where social transgressions are quickly forgiven 12 .…”