Dogs Decoded

A very interesting show on PBS's NOVA series, Dogs Decoded aired 11/09. If you missed it you can still watch online. The show highlighted the interesting DNA of our animal friends. It shows some new data from sources many of us have seen before including the Siberian silver fox genetic testing program where some foxes are selectively breed for tameness. Now 50+ generations in and the foxes are more tame than ever and seek human attention. It also shows the incredibly smart Border Collie that knows 300+ words/objects. With further testing they find this pup can relate symbols as well as the spoken word. But can she heard toads like the Wild Bill Palmer ?

Much of the show tells dog owners what we already know; dogs can speak to us and we can speak to our dogs. The neat part of this show tells how our pups may understand us and how important the relationship is to modern human culture. It also explores the differences in archaeology's understanding of when dogs came to be (10K + years) versus the genetic understanding (100K+ years) but does not offer an opinion either way except to say that it is "agreed" that dogs have been with humans for thousands of years and likely progressed our species beyond hunters/gatherers.

It does definitively show what our Sheppard mix Charlotte has always barked about to anyone who will listen: all dogs are descendants of the wolf, not other dog-like species. Charlotte thinks all wolves are cute and continually wags her fluffy tail to bring the cute boys to the yard. Check out the show Dogs Decoded with your pup, it is a great way to learn more about what may be your most interesting family member.