Dogs are one of the most popular pets in the world. They are loyal and loving, and despite their size they can be very good companions.
Their trainability, devotion, and playfulness have earned them a unique position in the realm of interspecies relationships. Dogs are an essential part of human society, filling a variety of roles and providing many benefits to their owners.
Origins
Dogs are believed to have evolved from wolves (Canis lupus) in Eurasia between 20,000 and 40,000 years ago. However, the exact location of this onset is still unclear and many different theories have been proposed.
Historically, dogs have been used for hunting game, and they have also been associated with divinity. The Sumerians, for instance, thought that dog saliva was a medicinal substance that helped promote healing.
The domestication of dogs is a long and complicated process that started many generations ago. Genetic studies suggest that dogs descended from Eurasian wolves between 15,000 and 30,000 years ago.
Habitat
Wild dogs occupy a wide range of habitats, from arid deserts to tropical forests. They hunt alone and cooperatively, eating a variety of animals, including small mammals, reptiles, fish and birds.
Despite the presence of nature reserves, habitat loss and increasing contact with humans are continuing to be significant threats for wild dogs. This includes increased habitat use for livestock and domestic dogs [33,34].
Interestingly, wild dogs at all life stages (denning, pregnant and resident) selected for areas with lower human population densities than expected by chance when analysing second order selection. This preference was also observed for dispersal groups, whose GPS locations have been recorded travelling extremely long distances before finding new territories and mates.
Diet
Just like us, dogs need a diet that provides them with all the nutrients they need to thrive. It's important to choose a food that is balanced and meets their needs, particularly if they have any medical conditions or special requirements.
A dog's age, activity level and dietary requirements can all impact on how much they need to eat. It's a good idea to weigh out their food each day and make sure they're getting enough.
There are many different types of dog food available, from kibbles to canned wet foods. A veterinary nutritionist can help you find the best type for your dog.
Health
While your dog might be the most loyal friend you've ever had, that doesn't mean they're immune to health problems. In fact, dogs can suffer from many of the same diseases as humans, such as diabetes, cancer, epilepsy and arthritis.
In addition, dogs are susceptible to a wide range of parasites, from tapeworms to roundworms and whipworms, and they can also pick up infections from other pets and wild animals they come into contact with in the great outdoors. Watch for signs that your dog is suffering from a parasite, such as diarrhea, weight loss, vomiting or changes in their appearance and behavior.
Training
The most popular dog training method is positive reinforcement, which means rewarding good behavior with a treat. It's often used by experienced trainers and can make a dog very obedient.
Another popular approach is science-based training, which relies on research and empirical data to understand dogs and train them effectively. Some scientific trainers also believe it's important to use dog psychology to find ways to improve off-leash relationships between humans and their dogs.
A third way to train a dog is relationship-based, which focuses on creating a bond between you and your pet instead of using punishment or fear. This takes time and patience, but it can lead to a strong, loyal relationship between you and your dog.
