Dogs are man’s best friends and man’s best role models
The argument over when, where, and how humans domesticated our most valued friend is ongoing. Was it in the Middle East where early human hunters recruited dogs to assist in the hunt? Or, did we first gain our companions in Asia? Has the bond between humans and dogs always been so strong?
According to an article from the Los Angeles Times detailing the results of research done on ancient dogs and their modern cousins, “dog domestication most likely occurred in Ice Age Europe, between 18,800 and 32,100 years ago.” The researchers believed that these ancient dogs followed large-prey hunting humans and lived off their scraps, eventually sticking around long enough to become one of the human pack, but most likely not as close as we include dogs in our lives now.
For many people — dog people, I guess you could call them — canines are a central part of life.
I would place myself in this category of person. I convinced my reluctant parents to get me my first dog when I was 6 years old. We were on vacation during the summer and someone we knew was offering mutt puppies up for nothing; how my brother and I convinced our parents to bring a puppy home from Cape Cod is still lost on me, but it sparked in me a life-long need for the companionship of dogs.
For every dog person, there’s a type of dog they love most. Of course, there are mutt people, too. But as far as breeds go, the American Kennel Club currently registers 189 breeds of dogs and adds more each year.
Every dog has special attributes, but one thing is true for all dogs: humans have so much to learn from them.
1. Dogs are unconditional love machines
It can be hard for people to share the care and love they feel for those close to them; people have busy lives and finding a balance between the love one sends outwards and self-love. Dogs don’t have this horribly selfish problem — they only have love to give. Unlike humans, dogs have an unending source of love for everyone, and they love every opportunity to share their love even more. Be sure to brace yourself before receiving love from a big dog, as they may knock you over with the sheer force of their unconditional love.
2. They are eager to learn…
We’ve all heard that old dogs can’t learn new tricks, but as the television show “Mythbusters” pointed out, we’ve all heard wrong. Although it is true that puppies are much easier to train, dogs of all ages are open to learning new things (as long as you make it worth their while, if you get my drift). Maybe it was us humans projecting our stubborn behavior on innocent dogs?
3. … And even more eager to please.
Besides treats, the other reason any pup will always be receptive of new commands and situations is because they are always eager to please the ones they love most. According to a mic.com article detailing research on the responses dogs have to different smells, dogs care about humans more than anything else, even treats. Next time your dog gets a little smelly, keep in mind that your dog always loves your smell, so give him or her an extra treat or two before the bath.
4. Dogs are the most willing helpers
It is believed that dogs have always assisted humans in different ways. On the hunt as retrievers or in war zones as sentry dogs, canines are incredibly vital to humans on the job. We use dogs in rescue situations because they excel in ways humans with the best technology cannot. Sometimes the only thing we need them to help with are keeping us company.
5. They’re the hairiest, most understanding therapists
No human therapist could match what the presence of a gentle, loving therapy dog does. Therapy dogs are specially trained to go into hospitals, schools, nursing homes and more to comfort people in need. Even stressed college students can be uplifted by dogs, which is why Salem State and many other universities hold puppy petting events around finals.
6. Just looking at how cute they are helps us out
Most people can’t just look at another person and magically become happier and more productive (unless they’re in love, or something weird like that). But apparently, looking at cute dogs can have that impact. Dogs are so wonderful, we just have to look at them to reap the benefits. No, you aren’t procrastinating if you spend 30 minutes watching cute dog videos on Youtube before starting something — you’re increasing productivity. Humans probably won’t be able to model themselves after dogs in this regard, but we should at least feel some very deep appreciation for them.
Dogs brighten our lives every day, they love us and make us laugh, and all they ask for in return is love, dog treats, and a bite or two off our plates sometimes. That’s nothing compared to everything we humans demand. Give your dog a pat on the head and say thanks.
