The history of man and dog
The first known relationship between man and his best friend is one that dates back to ancient times.
It is believed that humans first began to domesticate and keep dogs as companions as far back as 15,000 years ago. Since then, the bond between man and his best friend has become stronger, as the two species have come to rely on one another for companionship, protection, and work.
Why the man and dog relationship works
The relationship between man and his best friend is one of mutual understanding and respect. Dogs are incredibly intelligent and can learn quickly, making them easy to train and a great companion for humans. They are loyal and protective, willing to put their life on the line for their human companions if necessary.
Dogs also provide humans with unconditional love and companionship, something that is often hard to come by. In return, humans provide their canine companions with food, shelter, and companionship. Dogs often look to their humans for guidance and support, and humans are more than willing to provide it. Humans also provide their pet dogs with exercise, playtime, and mental stimulation, all of which are necessary for a healthy and happy canine companion.
The relationship between man and his best friend has been beneficial to both species for thousands of years. Through understanding and mutual respect, the two species have been able to develop a strong bond that is both beneficial and rewarding.
What evidence of man and dog is there from ancient times?
Evidence of man and dog relationships in ancient times can be found in art, artifacts, and archaeological findings.
In ancient India, dogs were considered sacred, and were often seen in religious texts and art and can be traced back to The Bhimbetka caves and other prehistoric rock paintings dating back 30,000 years! Dogs were believed to have the ability to act as a bridge between the human world and the divine, and were seen as a symbol of protection and loyalty. Dogs were also believed to have healing powers. In addition, dogs were used for hunting and protection, and were often used as guard dogs and watchdogs. Dogs were also used in religious ceremonies and rituals, and were often seen as symbols of virtue and strength. One of the (If not the), oldest texts in history, the Rig Veda, dogs appear in an elevated role as the companion of Bhairava (a form of Lord Shiva). Lord Indra’s pet on the other hand is the celestial bitch Sarama – the mother of all dogs.
(Bhairava Sculpture, Depicting Lord Shiva boys and Dog, Archeology Museum, Goa)
Art from ancient Egyptian tombs depict humans and dogs living side by side, suggesting that even then, humans and dogs had a close relationship. In fact,. perhaps the most famous dog head (on a mans body albeit) the god named Anubis, which is that of the jackel Additionally, artifacts such as bones and tools used for hunting have been discovered in ancient settlements, suggesting that dogs were used for hunting and protection. Archaeological findings have also revealed that humans and dogs were buried together in some cases, indicating a strong bond between the two species.
(Papyrus featruing Anubis)
It is believed that dingoes, the wild dogs of Australia, arrived in the continent over 4,000 years ago. These dingoes likely came from India, brought by humans who were travelling by boat. It is thought that these dingoes were used for hunting and protection, as well as companionship. Dingoes were also seen as sacred animals in some Aboriginal cultures, and were often featured in art and stories. The relationship between humans and dingoes in Australia has been complex, with some people seeing them as pests, while others revere them as important figures in their culture and spirituality.
So there you have it, the relationship spans all the way back through history in many parts of ther world and It will no doubt continue to infinity and beyond!