Scientists used to believe dogs descended from several species, including the wolf and jackal. However, a recent scientific analysis upheld the more current theory that their primary ancestor is the wolf1.
History of the Dog
The earliest known domesticated dog was found at a German burial site dated 14,000 BC. Dogs likely worked cooperatively2 with humans to locate and announce the position of prey wounded by hunters. But, a recent study in the journal Science looked at mitochondrial DNA from dogs, wolves, coyotes, and jackals. They concluded that wolves and dogs may have genetically diverged much earlier. As long as 135,000 years ago.
But, the findings aren’t conclusive3,4,5. The current consensus among most experts indicates the split from wolves occurred around 30,000 to 35,000 years ago.
Over the centuries, dogs underwent drastic changes from natural selection and selective breeding. This resulted in the vast array of hair colors, sizes, and temperaments we see today. We distinguish about 200 to 400 different breeds worldwide. And this doesn’t even count the “mutts” of the world6.
However, the American Kennel Club only recognizes 140 breeds. They define a breed as a relatively homogeneous group of animals within a species, developed and maintained by man. This is only the AKC’s definition of breed. It doesn’t mean there aren’t other breeds.
Domestication of the Dog
We assume wolves were the first species we ever domesticated7. But no one knows how man and wolf came together to create domesticated dogs. One more plausible theory is that wolves started following early hunters, gatherers, and migrants. The wolves discovered they could easily help themselves to the food the early humans left behind. Consequently, this was a win/win situation. The well-fed wolves were no longer a threat to humans but also alerted them to dangers. They probably even helped to fight off enemies and predators.
Humans likely integrated wolf puppies into their band or group. Possibly after their parents were killed while hunting or while defending the pack. Likely they kept the friendly and social wolves and killed those who showed aggression toward them. The first step towards domestication.
Early humans probably enjoyed wolves’ instinct for hunting, game retrieval, and defense of the group. Likely they trained the animals to perform other services.
Modern Times
Today, after a long journey together, our furry friends are so in tune with us that they are the only species that understands human body language8. When you get up from a chair, your buddy knows if you are going to the bathroom or getting ready for a walk.
A dog is also the only animal that understands the concept of pointing at something. Your buddy knows to look in that direction if you point at anything with a stretched-out arm. Any other animal will just stare at your arm9.
They can also be trained to fetch three-dimensional objects when shown a two-dimensional picture of that object. This is a level of abstract thinking human children only develop between the ages of one and two years. We consider dogs to have the intelligence of two-year-old children and share similar learning abilities10.
Our understanding of dogs and what they are truly capable of keeps evolving and surprising us. But one thing is clear; they are very smart animals.
References:
PBS Online Nova Science: The Wolf Connection (November 2000)
National Geographic: And Man Created Dog (November 2011)
PBS Online Nova Science: The Wolf Connection (November 2000)
K. Kris Hirst: How were Dogs Domesticated? (About.com, Archaeology)
Mark Derr: The Wolf Who Stayed (The Bark, Issue 38)
Sarah Hodgson: Breed Determines Traits (New York Times, 11/30/1997)
National Geographic: And Man Created Dog (November 2011)
Clive D. L. Wynne, Ph.D.: How well do wolves and dogs understand people? (Wolf Park Experiment, 2009)
Jennifer Viegas: Dogs Really Do Understand Us (Discovery News, 02/08/2012)
Stanley Coren, Ph.D., F.R.S.C.: What Are the Limits of Canine Learning? (Psychology Today, 07/27/2011)
We are located in Southern California and train dogs nationwide. Happy Dog Training currently offers local dog training services in the following counties. Riverside County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, Los Angeles County, and San Diego County. In addition, we offer our board-and-train program nationwide and all virtual training services worldwide.
Do you want your new puppy trained right from the start? Are you looking for help for your fearful dog? Do you need to resolve a severe aggression problem? You came to the right place! We are experienced, professional dog trainers. Ralf has trained over 1500 dogs in over 18 years, and Sarah has trained over 1200 dogs in over 11 years. Consequently, we can help you with any dog training goal.
We can help you, regardless of your dog's challenges or training goals. Being a professional dog trainer means having experience, knowledge, and skill. Further, we developed a highly effective training program to specifically help fearful dogs gain more confidence and become the best possible version of themselves. Building Confidence is our second most popular training program.
Last but not least, we are experts in dealing with all types of aggression in dogs and are often the trainers of last resort after many other programs have failed. Most of our aggressive dog clients previously spent significant money on half-baked solutions without much improvement. This is different from us. We will give you an honest assessment of what goals are realistic for your dog. We will tell you what can be resolved reliably and what likely needs to be managed before we start.
Our flagship product is our board and train program. But our virtual dog training and coaching services have become quite popular over the last couple of years. Our setup enables us to deliver online dog training services from our indoor and outdoor training areas. This allows us to help clients worldwide.
Finally, once you're ready to move forward, please use our dog training contact form to schedule a free phone consultation or book a paid, in-person consultation.
Happy Dog Training is the pet dog training business of Ralf Weber and Sarah Gill. We are certified professional dog trainers in Southern California. We are specialized in advanced obedience training, all forms or behavioral challenges and service dog training. For behavioral training, we are known for our work with aggressive and fearful dogs. Our service dogs, through Total K9 Focus, have a nationwide reputation for their reliability, longevity and performance.
Ralf Weber, MS, TWC CPDT, IACP CDT, CDTA
Certified Professional Dog Trainer Ralf Weber is lead pet dog trainer of Happy Dog Training. Ralf is a long-time dog owner of German Shepherds. During his career, Ralf has worked with over a 1500 dogs of many different breeds. Moreover, Ralf has a thorough understanding of all aspects of canine training. This includes evolutionary psychology, ethology, and, most importantly, learning science. Ralf is specialized in resolving dog behavior challenges—especially fear and aggression. Apart from this, Ralf trains dogs in basic and advanced obedience, service dog tasks, and GRC Dog Sports. Ralf is further certified in a broad range of other canine training areas. Last but not least, Ralf is the author of the behavioral book If Your Dog Could Talk: Understand Your Dog Like Never Before.
Ralf loves helping people have a better relationship with their dogs. He is a certified professional dog trainer in the Training without Conflict™ methodology by Ivan Balabanov (TWC CPDT). Ralf is also a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals and also holds their basic and advanced dog trainer certifications (IACP CDT, CDTA). In addition, Ralf is an AKC-approved evaluator for the AKC Puppy Star, CGC, and Advanced CGC programs and is also certified in canine first aid by the Red Cross.
Sarah Gill, Certified Professional Master Trainer
Sarah Gill, is a professional service dog trainer and handler. Sarah entered the world of professional service dog training after a car accident. As a result, she had to use a wheelchair for almost two years, trying to maneuver in a house not designed for it. No one expected Sarah would walk again. This opened her eyes and became a driving force behind pushing herself to defy the odds. When she regained some stability, Sarah attended a dog training school and learned how to train service dogs. Sarah completed her Master Trainer Certification and gained further experience by training new trainers. However, the school wasn’t accommodating to those with physical difficulties and PTSD. Hence, Sarah moved home to Dallas. In 2019, Sarah teamed up with Ralf and moved to California.
Sarah started this journey because she had a trained dog to mitigate her disabilities. But Sarah needed additional tasking for a new diagnosis. The only option she could find was getting a second dog for the new diagnosis. She knew there had to be a different way to address this. Sarah's passion is changing the ways of the service dog training industry.
