Dogs
Dogs were probably the first tamed animals. They have accompanied humans for at least 20,000 years and possibly as many as 40,000.
Scientists generally agree that all dogs, domestic and wild, share a common wolf ancestor; at some point grey wolves and dogs went on their separate evolutionary ways.
Communication
Dogs communicate in several ways. Scent is one , another is physical appearance. Body position, movement, and facial expression often convey a strong message.
Many of these signals are recognizable even to humans, such as the excited tail-wagging of a happy dog or the bared teeth of an angry or threatened animal. Vocally, dogs communicate with a cacophony of sounds including barks, growls, and whines.
Working Dogs
Domestic dogs serve as more than companions; many earn their keep by working hard. Dogs herd livestock, aid hunters, guard homes, and perform police and rescue work. Some special animals even guide the blind—a poignant symbol of the dog's longstanding role as man's best friend.
By Dina Reyes, Step 10
By: Dina Reyes
