| Dogs are unique animals in that they can | | | | superior hunters. And, because of their desire to |
| immediately become a part of your family. If you | | | | please, dogs have come to be working assistants |
| have had your dog for any time at all, you are no | | | | in addition to being family companions. Dogs need |
| doubt well aware of this fact. It is the continuing | | | | a job. They want to please. Humans have jobs |
| domestication of dogs that makes them more | | | | that they need help with. It provides a perfect |
| and more adaptable to living the family lifestyle | | | | opportunity for a symbiotic relationship. |
| with each passing generation of dog. This | | | | By capitalizing on the attributes of specific dog |
| interconnecting of dog culture and human culture | | | | breeds, man has developed dogs that excel at |
| is very strong. It doesn't matter what kind of dog | | | | certain tasks. You might not use your dog as you |
| you have or whether it's primarily a companion or | | | | primary means of survival as our prehistoric |
| a working dog relationship, your dog is a friend | | | | ancestors, but it's likely your dog has its own role |
| that will stick with you for life. | | | | in the scheme of things. In a family situation, your |
| One of the reasons for their amazing ability to | | | | dog's job might include getting the paper or |
| bond with humans is because wolves, ancestors | | | | bringing you your slippers. Often companion dogs |
| to all dog breeds found today, have similar social | | | | participate in activities like hunting or dog agility |
| systems to those in the human world. Just like | | | | with their masters. |
| your family has to work together as a group, so | | | | However, there are also dogs that genuinely have |
| does the wolf pack. And, just like in your family, | | | | jobs that they do every day. Some of these jobs |
| there may be disagreements within the group, but | | | | include: |
| they are always united and come together when | | | | - Herding stock on farms |
| it matters. They survive with the lead of an adult | | | | - Detecting drugs for law enforcement |
| male who is dominant over all others in the pack. | | | | - Serving as guide dogs for the blind |
| If the leader oversteps his boundaries, or for one | | | | - Assisting people with autism and those who are |
| reason or another is no longer present, then a | | | | deaf |
| strong and competent female will step in. Dogs | | | | - Guarding homes and businesses |
| are hard-wired to live in a social grouping. This | | | | - Serving as rescue dogs in the event of a |
| makes them ideal as companions. Additionally, | | | | disaster Whether your dog is a companion dog or |
| dogs instinctively want to please the pack leader. | | | | a service dog, it can and will develop a special, |
| In a family setting, that is you. | | | | emotional bond with you and the other members |
| There are a number of attributes that contribute | | | | of your family. Whether you're ready to work, |
| to making dogs ideal companions and working | | | | have a good time or just need some unconditional |
| partners for humans. They are incredibly alert, | | | | love, your dog will be there. |
| have a strong sense of smell and many are | | | | |