How Dogs (Eventually) Became Our Best Friends

We’re still figuring out the details, but most scientists agree that it took thousands of years of interactions to develop our deep bond with dogs. When did they first become domesticated? Where did this happen? And what did the process look like, in terms of genetics and anatomy?

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Luc Janssens
, Robert Losey
, Sergey Fedorov
, Dave Stanton
, and Love Dalen their help providing us with images for this episode!

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[prabhuprasad]

Human: _throws a stick really really far_
Wolves: he is the chosen one.

[Tink]

"and even a cute little nose is preserved"

*shows a puppy that froze to death*

[Glassandcandy]

Wealthy Ancient Romans used to construct entire mausoleums for their deceased pets, complete with funerary statues, tombstones, and epigraphs. One well preserved tomb at Herculaneum reads: “I am in tears, while carrying you to your last resting place as much as I rejoiced when bringing you home in my own hands fifteen years ago."

Another such inscription reads: “My eyes were wet with tears, our little dog, when I carried you (to the grave)... So, Patricus, never again shall you give me a thousand kisses. Never again will you be contentedly in my lap. In sadness have I buried you, as you deserve, In a resting place of marble, I have placed you for all time by the side of my shade. In your qualities, sagacious you were, like a human being. Ah! What a loved companion we have lost”

If that doesn’t tear your heart apart, I don’t know what will.

Humans and dogs have a relationship unlike any other two animals. We were made for each other to be best friends. Quite literally in the case of the dog lol

[brendankingofnerds]

My best friend died this Christmas. I honored him as best I could. I buried him here at home on our property with a time capsule and dressed him in his harness and collar. I have let my family know that my wishes are to be buried with him in the event of my death. It’s nice to know that I’m not the only one who considers these incredibly honorable and courageous beings family.

[monstermonty]

Wolf: I'd never thought I'd hunt side by side with a human.

Human: How about hunting side by side with a friend

Wolf: Aye, I could do that

[jaqqen]

im from bali and people here believes that when you die, a dog will help you get to your next life. so we treat dogs like good bois till the end

[iamthewlf]

The evolution of dogs positioned themselves in such an incredible way. Become the best friend and adoration of the most sentient apex predators on Earth. We literally do everything for them. They don’t even need to hunt or look for shelter anymore.

[heatherlowing]

I've known many dogs with all sorts of personalities... What constantly amazes me is that, no matter where the dog came from or what (s)he knew before you, if you treat him with kindness (s)he will always return it one hundred times over.

[nikoletta]

After discovering Dogor:
Scientist no1: so is it a dog or a wolf?
Scientist no.2: it's a good boy

[FabioLeprechaun]

49, 000 years ago: "- Look, hoomans. They have food. We can get some. What the worst that can happen?"
2020 AD: *pugs*

[neoxenia]

Dogs are awesome! Can’t imagine not having a dog companion. It hurts though, that they don’t live longer.

[fishfossils]

Such a beautiful story
Starts with wolves who followed Nomadic Humans feeding on their leftovers
Who had babies that began to intentionally leave out food for the wolves
Who had puppies that returned to the spot to feed on the food left by humans
Who had babies that wanted to see the wolves better
Who had puppies that wanted to see the humans better
Who had babies that wanted to feed the wolves by hand
Who had puppies that let the humans feed them by hand
Who had babies that wanted to pet the wolves
Who had puppies that wanted to let the humans pet them
Who had babies that wanted to let the wolves into their homes
Who had puppies that went into their humans homes
Who had babies that took care of the wolves
Who had puppies that saw humans as care takers
Who had babies that loved the wolves
Who had puppies that loved the babies….

Brings a tear to the eye knowing what a beautiful story, and friendship was built over generations.

[ajdn]

Wolf 49000 yrs ago: "Hate to hunt, lets go check with that pity homosapien"
Doggie now : "best decision ever"

[anthonylong]

Wolves: *walks into a human cave looking for food*

Human: so you’ve chosen DOMESTICATION!!!

[kennythefrog]

Becoming family with dogs is one thing I am truly thankful that our ancestors did.

[adityakankate]

Human-*misses a shot with spear
Wolf-*grabs it by mouth and returns it
Human- you can sit on my couch now.

[challifer]

Dogs are so loved. I've read an ancient epitaph for a dog that says:
"I am in tears, while carrying you to your last resting place as much as I rejoiced when bringing you home in my own hands fifteen years ago."

[choccomoke]

Title: How dogs became our best friends!


Beginning: *DEAD PUPPY*

[acertainredpanda]

6:38 this drawing really made me feel something; sadness and sonder. I feel very connected to our ancestors when I see drawings and paintings like that. They had much of the same feelings we all share; compassion, grief, love.