A dog is a beloved companion animal that has an unwavering loyalty to its human family and an innate ability to form deep emotional bonds. The most cherished dogs are known for being well-trained, intelligent, and adaptable to different situations. They are often affectionate and playful, but they also have the ability to protect their people and property, if necessary.
Dogs are highly social animals, living in packs of relatives and other dogs. They communicate with each other through body language, vocalizations (barks, howls), scent marking, and eye contact. In the wild, a pack’s leader is determined by an established hierarchy of dominance. Dogs may be aggressive toward humans, other animals, or both, depending on the situation and the trigger.
Domesticated dogs and wolves evolved to work together in hunting partnerships. Over time, the wolves that worked most cooperatively with humans had the best chance of reproducing, so over many generations this trait became selected for in tame dogs.
Today, a good dog is typically housebroken, obedience-trained, and socialized early in life. They are usually well-mannered and gentle with children, and they can be trusted to be calm and non-reactive around loud noises or new objects. They are also attentive and alert, but they don’t become easily distracted or hyperactive. Good dogs are a joy to spend your time with, whether you’re out for a hike or curling up on the couch to watch a movie.