The Unexpected Evolution Of Dogs In The 21st Century

Not too long ago, dogs were mainly valued for the work they did. They helped hunt for food, herded livestock and guarded homes. To do these jobs, dogs needed to have strong instincts to chase prey, a lot of energy, and a healthy suspicion of strangers. Just a few decades ago, many dogs were expected to bark at any noise, keeping watch over their owners and homes. Their instincts kept away squirrels from bird feeders and burned off some of their excess energy.

However, in just one generation, we've changed everything for our dogs. With more people moving to cities where space is limited, the wild, open places where children and dogs used to play have disappeared from many neighborhoods. Dogs have gone from working all day and sleeping outside to lounging on our couches and snuggling in our beds. They are now more like family members than ever before, sharing our homes and lifestyles. This shift means that many dogs need to adapt to a quieter life, fitting into our daily routines...