Animal related topics > Evolution
Dogs domesticated man.
AlbertaEMT:
I watched a show recently that talked about the human/dog relationship. I can't remember the title and a Google search has proven fruitless. The basic premise was that it might not have been humans domesticating dogs but possibly the other way around.
Early ancestors of dogs learned that by playing on the emotions of humans, they benefitted by getting more food, shelter, and social status. It can be easily evidenced today. Many people consider their dogs to be their "children". As a result, they spoil them with treats, dress them in ridiculous clothes, and make little staircases to help them reach the bed.
Now, I'm not saying any of this is bad, to each his/her own. But, if you watch the Dog Whisperer, or At The End Of My Leash in Canada, they propose that these activities actually empower your dog and lead to unwanted behaviors.
It's of course well known by many dog people that dogs still maintain many of their puppy-like qualities. It is these qualities that people find endearing and as a result give rewards to the dogs for these qualities. This show discussed the probability that early, predomesticated dogs that showed more puppy-like qualities were brought into the human fold and better cared for.
I'll try to search a bit more and see if I can find a link to this.
AlbertaEMT:
This may be more suited for the "Human/Animal relationship" thread. It was a late night and early morning.
Bazinga!!:
This is all I could find:
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/dog-evolution-did-the-wolf-tame-itself-to-evolve-into-the-domestic-dog.html
It goes more off that idea that dogs domesticated themselves to fit in.
As for the treating dogs like children. No way. They deserve to be part of the family. They deserve attention, shelter and food. Playing fetch, hunting and walks.
They do not deserve to sleep in the bed, jump on the furniture, beg for food, come in the kitchen, or get treats for just being there.
Bazinga!!:
AH! Here is something:
http://www.aolnews.com/article/did-we-domesticate-dogs-or-did-dogs-domesticate-us/19260697
doglady:
--- Quote from: DUNoverIT on November 22, 2010, 12:25 pm ---This is all I could find:
They do not deserve to sleep in the bed, jump on the furniture, beg for food, come in the kitchen, or get treats for just being there.
--- End quote ---
But humans like to treat their dogs this way, and I am just as guilty as anyone.
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