Human–canine bond
The human–canine bond is rooted in the domestication of the dog, which began occurring through their long-term association with hunter-gatherers more than 30,000–40,000 years ago.
Despite this relationship's significance throughout history, it is not necessarily always a positive one; dogs can be viewed in an extremely negative light, depending on the region.
[20] In the early 1980s the term 'human–animal bond' was officially coined by Leo K. Bustad, who delivered a summary lecture on the Human–Pet Relationship on October 28, 1983, at the International Symposium in Vienna.
[22] Bustad and other pet therapy advocates formed the Delta Society, which was built on the earlier work of Levinson and Croson.
[32] The human-canine bond is strengthened, or diminished, depending on the quantity and quality of the time spent with the canine and through activities such as routine walking, feeding, grooming, and play.
[33][34] The cattle dog has long worked alongside humans, with the start of herding activities roughly being around the time of the domestication of the sheep.
[41] Hounds typically specialize in the chase and utilize a variety of noises to flush out game, used in hunting larger mammals such as deer, coyote, boar, and foxes.
[46] The commander of the 341st Training Squadron, William Roberts, states their mission is "to produce a dog that patrols and detects, either narcotics or explosives".
[46] In the past, military working dogs in the US were often euthanized after they retired, especially if they were deemed unfit for home life or showed aggressive behaviors.
[50] In the United States military, the working dog is traditionally one rank higher than his handler so that he is afforded the respect they deserve.
The first search and rescue dogs were the Saint Bernards who were trained to locate lost or stranded travelers in the Swiss Alps.
[52] Dogs and their handlers will have formed a close bond allowing each other to interpret each other's body language correctly leading to the successful detection of the desired object or person.
[53][54] Examples of body language to look for when the dog begins to "hit" on a scent cone are small pauses, tail flicks, and puffing air with the nose.
[50] People who suffer from isolation, depression, and other mental illness to the point where it significantly interferes with day-to-day life may find security in an emotional support animal, however it is important to remember that usually dogs who fall into the emotional support animal category do not require any specific training.
[55] As a result of the studies by Dr. Samuel Corson pets have become commonplace in nursing homes where they can provide comfort and affection to people.
[58] examples of assistances dogs include: Canines' social impact on humans is especially significant for those who tend to be more isolated, such as children with no siblings[59] or elderly persons.
The reasons for a human or a dog turning on their companion are diverse and poorly understood,[66] but may be generally boiled down to improper socialization or underlying mental health issues for either party.
