DOG FACT

Dogs Are Man`s Best Friend

Dogs truly are man`s best friend, throughout history canines have played an important role and have a truly unique relationship with man. Dogs have protected campsites, guarded flocks, assisted in hunts and pulled loads.

Man And Dog: How It All Began

To this day there are questions about who made the decision of domesticating wolves to create the obedient canine. Some say that our ancestors actively made the choice and others argue that the wolves saw the many advantages of living in areas surrounding human campsites and so decided to hang around and become a part of that. Either way it happened we are fortunate that it did. Eventually the dog lost its distrust and fear of humans.

Our relationship with wolves began well over 15,000 years ago. The modified wolf – what we refer to as a dog – evolved about 12,000 years ago. Primitive canine heads were somewhat domed and more puppy like than that of a wolf. These dogs had smaller teeth and a shorter intestinal tract than the wolf. They were more playful and more obedient.

It’s no surprise that our ancestors soon came to value the relationships with these animals.

Throughout history ... dogs have been portrayed in religion, art, literature and folklore. They have been involved in our daily activities, in our work as well as our play. Dogs have assisted with various tasks and jobs such as: agriculture, sports, defense and security. Many of the dog’s senses are superior to that of humans. Dogs have a very adaptable digestive system which permits them to live on a varied diet.

Dogs are social creatures and like humans they are pack animals. Just as with humans, dogs enjoy company.

Dogs come in a wide variety of sizes, ranging from tiny to very, very large. Through human intervention there are 100s of breeds that vary in size as well as other characteristics. There are dogs with heavy coats that are well suited to cold climate areas, there are dogs with exaggerated scent capabilities, there are dogs that are bred to herd other animals…dogs have been bred to inherit desired characteristics for various reasons. But in present day only a few dogs actually ‘work’ for humans. Dogs’ primary purpose it seems is to provide companionship. In doing so they make our life better.

It is therefore our responsibility to care for our canine friends and ensure that we make their lives rewarding.

The benefits received from having a dog include ...

• the wonderful feelings associated with dog ownership.
• Our dogs make us feel loved and secure.
• They make us laugh.
• They make us happy.
• Dogs are fun to watch.
• You can be sure that their emotions and behavior are honest and sincere.
• They give us something to care for and thus make us feel needed.

The benefits a dog receives include ...

• the fact that the dog is provided with a ‘pack leader’
• As the pack leader you guide the dog to food, warmth, and comfort.
• Your dog will enjoy having a defined territory to defend.
• You will offer play and physical contact.
• Your dog will depend on you for all his basic needs.

It is apparent that dog ownership is a privilege and anyone lucky enough to have the companionship of a devoted dog should value that. But along with that privilege comes the responsibility of providing quality care and love to your furry friend. Over the ages of time both dogs and humans have evolved, but throughout the evolutions we have found that life is better when we share our spaces and hearts.

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