ISN’T it amazing the word pet is getting synonymous with the dog? Very often, this generalization is made. And to me, it is a confirmation of the place of the dog in the ranking of animals by humans. After all, the dog is said to be man’s best friend.

This is not an accident of choice by man; it is a relationship that dates back  thousands of years to the earliest human civilizations.

Was it discovered out of necessity? Was it designed by creation?

Whatever it was, it was recorded in history that early humans domesticated the dog in order to help them to hunt more effectively,having realized its natural endowments and talents.

Wild dogs were found to be excellent and efficient hunters as their very survival depends on this skill and they increase their effectiveness by co-operating in social groups; hence the domestic dog which has undergone several processes of evolution isfound to be a sociable animal, usually enjoying the company of other dogs or human beings who have effectively taken their place.

It should not surprise you when your dog attempts to establish a dominion over you or choose to be submissive to you. This entirely depends on its interpretation of your role or the way you have placed yourself in the social order. It sees you as member of its pack and relates to you in that manner. This is also the basis of the misunderstanding that often leads to behavioural problems  exhibited by some dogs when man and animals misinterpret their roles in the scheme of things. I will endeavor to discuss this at a later date.

Back to our discussion today, it is known that of all the domesticated animals, arguably, the dog arouses the strongest emotions in people.

Throughout the centuries, they have been welcomed as faithful companions offering unconditional affection, guarding the home and

family and sharing human labours and hardships.

It is a marvel that an array of characteristics has been selectively bred into the modern varieties of the dog for the purpose of hunting, herding and shepherding, retrieving, pulling or carrying loads, guarding, guiding, detection of forensic materials or simply for aesthetic reasons.

The fact that dogs can be used for so many purposes is a testament for their intelligence and versatility and they have also featured very prominently in art, sculpture and literature more than any other animal living.

So it is the dog that understands man and it is the only animal that shares his emotions with him in many circumstances.

However, the relationship between man and dog should also be assessed.

At this level, all cannot be said to be rosy as a lot of people have abused the relationship in several ways. The creature that has so served man has been exposed to wanton neglect, deliberate abuse by owners who have simply failed to realise that this animal needs nurture and love to strengthen the understanding that must exist in order for the relationship to be smooth.

The catch simply is, if you do not have the patience to relate with  your dog, don’t get one.