Dog

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Interactions between dogs and humans

The relationship between dogs and humans is ancient. Dogs serve humans in many ways.

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Dogs as working partners

There are service dogs, guard dogs, hunting dogs, and herding dogs. Dogs have served as guides for the blind, as commandos, and have flown into outer space (see Laika and other Russian space dogs). Most modern working dogs are put in positions which capitalize on their sensory or strength and endurance advantages over normal humans.

Related Topics:
Service dogs - Guard dog - Hunting dog - Herding dog - Guides - Blind - Commando - Outer space - Laika - Russian space dogs

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For example, a new and particularly effective role of working dogs is that of the drug- or bomb-sniffing dog. All canines have olfactory sensitivity thousands or millions of times more sensitive than humans. This allows them to pick up on the subtle smells of distinctive chemicals, such as cannabis or plastic explosive. Airport security frequently tours concourses and baggage areas with a dog trained to respond to such chemicals.

Related Topics:
Cannabis - Plastic explosive

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K-9 police units typically feature a long-term human-canine team, in which the dog is trained to home in on the scents of particular people, and to facilitate their arrest once located. Most criminals find being wrestled to the ground by an aggressive dog much more frightening than being tackled by a human. Such dogs are also frequently used to find missing persons, especially in the wilderness.

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Several cities in Italy are experimenting with working dogs as rescue swimmers. In this situation, a strong and well-trained dog is equipped with flotation devices and dropped in the water near a floundering swimmer. The swimmer then grabs onto the dog, and the animal tows the swimmer to shore.

Related Topics:
Italy - Flotation device

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The Newfoundland has long been used for water rescue, not only on shore, but from fishing boats as well.

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Dogs are commonly used as search and rescue workers in cases of disasters. The St. Bernard has been historically used for such purposes in Europe in the case of avalanche. In the aftermath of the 9-11 attacks in New York, rescue dogs were brought in to search for survivors in the rubble. Some of the dogs became so disturbed at being unable to find any survivors that people had to be "planted" for the dogs to find so that they did not become depressed at their failure.

Related Topics:
Search and rescue - St. Bernard - Avalanche - 9-11 - New York

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Dogs as hunting/sporting partners

Many people compete with their dogs in a variety of dog sports, including agility, flyball, and many others. This often strengthens the bond between human and dog, since they must trust one another in a variety of environments and must learn how the other works and thinks.

Related Topics:
Dog sports - Agility - Flyball

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Setters in particular have a long history as upland gun dogs. They have a native ability to discover and "hold" upland game birds; to freeze them momentarily on the ground with their silent, elongated pointing stance. Once the hunter approaches, at his command they will flush the birds to fly and for the hunter to shoot at.

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As water dogs, the retrievers are unsurpassed. They can spend long hours in a duck blind and, after the hunter has fired at multiple ducks or geese, they can visually spot and remember the location of downed birds. At command, they dive into the icy water, swim out and retrieve the birds one by one. They can follow hand, verbal, and whistle commands at great distance as the hunter directs them to the downed bird. They typically have large, gentle muzzles to mitigate any potential damage to the game.

Related Topics:
Retriever - Duck blind

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When trained, beagles are particularly adept at chasing through thick briars and brush to chase rabbits. Many hound breeds are excellent at treeing raccoons during hunting season.

Related Topics:
Beagle - Hound

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Hunters with dogs report the satisfaction that the dogs seem to exhibit. Excitement is evident as they see the hunters load weapons, take to the field, and begin the hunt.

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Dogs as pets

Relationships between humans and dogs are often characterized by strong emotional bonds. Consequently, dogs are popular as pets and companions, independent of any utilitarian considerations. Many dog owners consider having unconditional acceptance from a friend who is always happy to see them to be quite utilitarian, particularly if the dog also leads them to regular exercise. Empirically, dogs are quite dependent on human companionship and may suffer poor health in its absence.

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Some research demonstrates that dogs are able to convey a depth of emotion not seen to the same extent in any other animal; this is purportedly due to their closely-knit development with modern man, and the survival-benefits of such communication as dogs became more dependent on humans for sustenance.

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Nevertheless, it is often unwise to anthropomorphize the responses of dogs. Despite understandably positive interpretations by dog owners, it is questionable whether these animals are truly capable of feeling emotions on a human level. More research is needed to determine the intelligence level of dogs, and the motivations behind their responses to their masters.

Related Topics:
Anthropomorphize - Intelligence level of dogs

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Dogs as food

:Main article: Taboo food and drink

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In some places dogs are raised for their meat, causing friction with people who keep dogs as pets. In times of great stress, such as when the Vikings of Greenland starved to death at the start of the Little Ice Age (14th century - 19th century), humans have been known to eat their pets.

Related Topics:
Vikings - Greenland - Little Ice Age - 14th century - 19th century

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