Dogs are one of the most familiar animals in the world, serving as loving, empathetic companions, vigilant guards of our homes and farms, and invaluable allies for hunters as well as law enforcement. As “man’s best friend,” learning to understand dogs can be nearly as important as understanding the humans in our life, whether we want to communicate more effectively with our pets, train and employ “working dogs,” or help rescue and care for dogs as a veterinarian or shelter professional.
Dogs are close relatives of wolves, but their evolution alongside humans over millennia has shaped their biology and behavior in many ways. They were likely the first species to be domesticated, and the depth of their bonds with their human masters are unparalleled in the world of animal behavior. This has allowed us to develop a thorough understanding of these animals based on the long history of this relationship as well as more recent advances in cognitive science that have given us insights into dog psychology and emotions from a new perspective.
Thus, today we have more ways to learn about dogs and their behavior than ever - and it is as deeply rewarding to do so as it’s always been.