I think that the best tip I can offer on learning to be top dog and playing games that teach is to invest in a book or obedience classes.

I can recommend Gwen Bailey's book Adopt the Perfect Dog for your situation. I used this book's techniques with my bluetick coonhound who was about 6 or 8 months old when we adopted her and I have managed to housetrain her and get her to sit and sometimes lie down (it's incredibly difficult to get the attention of a dog that is so scent-oriented for verbal commands). Our other dog we got as a puppy, and I had used the same author's book The Perfect Puppy to train her. I had to look at Amazon to remember the author's name, and noticed that they have the first book on sale right now for about $14.

By reading and learning about dog behavior, pack behavior, etc. it really helps to understand what types of training work best for the different dog personalities. I have actually started to take Belle (our setter/heeler mix) to obedience class on my free time (what's that?) on Saturdays to work on some problems like pulling on the leash and not coming when called. I find that it is really helpful to have outside advice on things I have a hard time with. It seems like sometimes other people (with much more experience) have an easier time seeing the root of the behavioral problems for what they are and can help with solutions.