The timeline goes back further than most people guess. We likely started keeping dogs during the Paleolithic era. Archaeologists have found paintings and carvings in ancient campsites and tombs. These artifacts suggest a bond existed long before agriculture took over.
Evidence from Paleolithic campsites
Why do we think this happened so early? The physical record. Carvings and paintings tell the story. They show dogs interacting with humans in ancient settings. This isn’t just speculation. It is based on artifacts found in tombs and campsites.
The first domesticated species
Which animal came first? The dog. It was likely the first species humans domesticated. It was also the first animal kept specifically as a pet. Other animals followed later. Dogs set the precedent.
This shifts how we view early human history. The relationship was practical, yes. But it was also emotional. We kept them close. They stayed close.
