Dogs Are Much More Than Pets

Dogs are unique animals because they can immediately become a part of your family.  If you have had your dog for a long time there is no question this is true.  This animal and human relationship is so strong that it even goes back to the prehistoric times.

Imagine a prehistoric hunter finding a lost wolf cub in the woods and bringing the animal home to care for it.  They might have found that the cub fit in quite nicely at home.  To top it off the hunter probably found that the wolf was helpful for practical reasons as well.

Part of the reason for this is because wolves and dogs in general have similar social systems to those in the human world.  They survive with the lead of an adult male who is dominant over all others in the pack.  If the leader oversteps his boundaries then a strong and competent female will step in.

Just like your family has to work together as a group, so does the dog pack.  There are social bonds and loyalty on both sides.  It doesn’t matter whether this family group or pack of dogs fight, they are always united and come together when it matters.

Dogs have a great number of strengths.  They are incredibly alert, have a strong sense of smell and many are superior hunters.  Their ability to survive on something as small as food scraps makes them ideal to have around whether you’re referring to ancient or modern times.

Of course, the wolf pack that prehistoric man would have found isn’t quite as gentle and kind as the dogs we keep in our homes today.  Wolves had just the rough type of personality that suited the prehistoric people, just like dogs suit our families today.  It is our own domestication of dogs that makes them more and more suitable to living the family lifestyle with each passing generation of dog.

This meshing of dog culture and human culture is very strong.  It doesn’t matter what kind of dog you have or whether it’s primarily a companion or a working dog, it is a friend that will stick with you for life.

You might not use the dog as you primary means of survival like some groups did years ago, but it’s likely your dog has its own role.  Some of the roles dogs take on today are:

• Herding stock on farms
• Detecting drugs
• Helping lead the blind
• Guarding homes and businesses
• Rescue services

Beyond those extraordinary roles your dog can develop a special, emotional bond with you and the other members of your family.  Whether you’re ready to have a good time or need some extra comforting, your dog will be there. 

It’s important to nurture and care for your dog so that they can thrive.  As long as they are receiving the nourishment they need and the attention they deserve you can count on having a friend for life.