Dogs understand humans better than any other animal does, even chimpanzees, our closest relatives.
Dogs are experts in human body language and expressions, and over time the muscles around their eyes have even adapted so they can communicate more easily with humans. And why do you get that warm feeling when you gaze into your dog's eyes? It's because of increased levels of oxytocin, the "love" hormone. It creates feelings of affection, trust and social bonding.
None of this is a coincidence. The bond humans have with dogs is the result of tens of thousands of years of co-evolution and a unique cross-species friendship that has changed the course of life on this planet. The proof of this long-lasting connection is everywhere. Dog bones were discovered at ancient human burial sites and prehistoric paw prints were found beside a child's footprints deep inside a cave in the French Alps. In Canine Connection, readers will travel around the globe and through time to put their finger (or paw) on the story behind history's true BFFs. Key Selling Points
• This STEM title examines the most recent science behind the dog–human bond and how and why it evolved over the course of human history. This book explores the various theories on the origins of how dogs became domesticated, either being adopted into human groups or choosing to join us.
• Dogs are the most popular pet in North America. More than 65 million US households have a dog and there are almost 8 million pet dogs in Canada.
• Includes facts and statistics about the oldest dog breeds in the world, what different dog behaviors can tell us about how our pets are feeling, why huskies have blue eyes, what jobs different breeds were originally bred for and ancient dog breeds that still exist today.
• Includes specific examples that illustrate the dog–human bond throughout history, from prehistoric paw prints discovered in a cave in France to ancient petroglyphs in Saudi Arabia that show a hunter with his dogs.
• Chris Gudgeon is the author of several books for adults and kids. This is his second book in the Orca Wild series after Great Apes. Part of the nonfiction Orca Wild series for middle-grade readers and illustrated with color photographs throughout, this book invites young readers to explore the relationship between dogs and humans, and how their bond has evolved throughout history. Christopher Gudgeon writes books, TV shows and movies. He loves animals and ghost stories and has written a lot on both subjects. His favorite animals are dogs and wolves. The Orca Wild series travels over land, underwater and through the air to meet the animals who live in our world. The books challenge us to think about our relationships, both good and bad, with vulnerable species and habitats. Best Friends Forever
