Natl. Geo. Dog (& Cat) videos

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I just watched a documentary on You Tube entitled "And Man Made Dog." I thought it was quite good, if a little dated. Lots of Border Collies - working cattle, clearing runways - and other stock-related dogs such as Corgis and Great Pyrenees. It mentions the genetic wreck that is the Bulldog, and there is a segment on a guy in St. Louis that does rescue.

 

I went to Amazon to see what it would cost to buy it. It was $19.93 VOD. But then I found a set with "And Man Created Dog" and 4 other shows Natl. Geo. for $14.99. Good deal! Here is the link to the Amazon page:

 

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004RBC5MO/ref=pe_385040_30332200_pe_309540_26725410_item

 

National Geographic explores the wild side of our favorite pets in this 5-episode collection of classics. Programs include Science of Dogs, Science of Cats, Those Wonderful Dogs, And Man Created Dog, and The Secret Life of Cats.

 

 

About "And Man Created Dog." (single program)

 

In the ultimate canine ancestral story, National Geographic explores the genetic journey from wolf to dog. Travel back 100,000 years to meet the "mother of all dogs" and trace the evolution of her descendants over the eons, even as we evolved ourselves - from cave dwellers to modern humans. Find out what scientists are learning about dogs' unique ability to communicate with humans, and how powerful brain chemicals work to cement our affection for each other. Delve into the history of selective breeding and see how man created dogs to serve our needs as laborers, companions, hunters, herders, and warriors, as well as to suit our aesthetic fancy. From immense Great Danes and diminutive Chihuahuas to curly-haired poodles and streamlined greyhounds - it's no coincidence that dogs are in fact the most diverse mammals on the planet.

 

This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply.

 

This product is expected to play back in DVD Video "play only" devices, and may not play in other DVD devices, including recorders and PC drives.

[medic09]

"And Man Created Dog" is on YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9t2RKYCBvE

[TEC]

The above YouTube video is very good. Humans have drastically changed the wolf, resulting in the domestic dog. The video explores how early man began to depend on the wolf-dog -- e.g. security/protection, hunting, stockwork, pulling and companionship. It suggests that 30,000 years ago man was in a precarious position, and that the wolf-dog may have tipped the balance in his favor.

 

I'm not sure why the rancher at 38 min's in the video needed four border collies to fetch a small herd of cattle. I didn't think they were particularly proficient, and have seen one or two skilled dogs do a nicer job. They may have been undogged cattle who needed a massive show of force, but in those circumstances it's unlikely. Is it usual to use that number aggressive dogs?

 

The video reviews all the dogs' keen senses, including smell. Yesterday I walked my dog in an unfamiliar park, a forested area with strange smells and sounds. There were unsettling gun shots far in the distance, apparently on private property. She wanted to stick with me, but when we moved toward the shots she hung-back nearly frozen, looking at me with a, "Are you sure this is a good idea?" expression on her face. To her credit, she begrudgingly followed along. Her nose was continually on the ground, smelling things that would have gone unnoticed on our usual walks. We circled in a big loop shaped like a magnifying glass and handle. When we arrived back at a portion of the walk we had already covered, she evidently recognized we were retracing our steps, and heading back to the car, because immediately her entire demeanor relaxed, and she ran about like her normal self, a smile on her face. It was one of those, "Dogs are amazing," moments for me.

 

Great video. Thanks for pointing it out. -- TEC