History of the domestic dogs

Hello readers! 

Today I will tell you about the history of dogs. 

Today's post will contain information about three separate subjects: 

1. History of dogs before advancing into domestic dogs. 
2. The way people domesticated dogs. 
3. Dogs in the current era. 

History of dogs before advancing into domestic dogs

There are differences between different sources, but people befriended with dogs between 10 000 and 36 000 years. Origin of domestic dogs is not completely evident, since the befriending with dog happened dozens of thousands years ago. According to scientists' DNA evidence, dogs' closest relatives were ancient gray wolves, which have gone extinct thousands of years ago. 

The way people domesticated dogs

Dogs were the first species to become domesticated by people. Dogs were raised even before people herded cows and sheep. The way people befriended with dogs was really interesting. People offered groups of wild wolves food, which tamed the wild wolves over the course of centuries. Both the wolves and people had multiple benefits of befriending together: wolves got reliable source of food and people got help in hunting and protecting themselves from other animals. 

Dogs in the current era

Dogs are used in a very different ways than thousands of years ago. Thousands of years ago dogs were mostly used in hunting, herding and protecting from wild animals. Of course, dogs are still sometimes being used in hunting sessions and herding, but there are more important usages for dogs these days. For example dogs are used to sniff illegal stuff like drugs on airports, as guides for visually impaired people and as police dogs for protecting.

Even though there are important errands for dogs, they are mostly used as companions. The most crucial thing in my opinion in dogs is their affection and love they show towards their owner(s). 

Thank you for reading my post! 

Best regards, Arttu.

Sources: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Origin_of_the_domestic_dog 

http://www.mypet.com/basic-pet-care/dog-mans-best-friend.aspx 

https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2016/06/the-origin-of-dogs/484976/