15 Ways Dogs Have Been Integral To Humans

Dogs have stuck by man’s side for thousands of years. In this period, they have gone beyond being companions to putting their skills and abilities into tasks that improve our lives. Considering the value dogs offer, it’s easy to agree that they truly are “man’s best friend.” This list discusses the 15 important roles dogs play in our world.
Companionship

For centuries, dogs have stood by humans as loyal companions. One reason they make great pets is that they can form strong emotional bonds with us. This companionship can lower our stress levels and improve our moods, and taking care of them helps humans embrace routine and physical activity.
Hunting Partners

Since over ten thousand years ago, dogs have assisted humans in hunting and made capturing game for food easier. While certain breeds excel at specific tasks, such as tracking or retrieving games, versatile breeds are capable of handling multiple hunting tasks simultaneously.
Protection

Dogs have long been used to protect homes, livestock, and people. Guard dogs bark to alert their owners when they perceive a threat. The best examples are German Shepherds and Rottweilers. Their barks can also let intruders know they aren’t welcome. The presence of some dogs is enough to reduce the likelihood of theft, attack, and other crimes.
Herding

There are also dogs who can work as herders, like the Great Pyrenees and Australian Shepherd. These dogs can move in a way that controls the movement of sheep, goats, cattle, and other animals. Farmers with these dogs will benefit from their instincts and enjoy a more efficient and less labor-intensive management of large herds.
Search and Rescue

Some breeds are trained to locate missing persons in urban areas, wilderness, disaster zones, etc. Thanks to their exceptional olfactory senses and ability to maneuver difficult terrain, they find people faster than humans, whose sense of smell is weaker. Their help has saved many lives during accidents and other disasters.
Service

People with disabilities can enjoy a better quality of life with the help of service dogs. They assist them in several ways. Guide dogs, for instance, help visually impaired people walk around their surroundings safely, while hearing dogs alert deaf individuals to important sounds like doorbells and alarms.
Therapy

Hospitals, nursing homes, schools, etc., use therapy dogs to comfort and emotionally support patients, residents, and students. Their presence reduces stress, anxiety, and depression for many people. Programs for children with special needs, veterans with PTSD, and patients undergoing medical treatment may involve the use of therapy dogs.
Detection

Dogs’ remarkable scenting abilities are harnessed in detection work, where they are trained to identify specific scents, such as drugs, explosives, and diseases. They can also identify certain types of cancer early by smelling breath or urine samples. There have been instances where dogs detected COVID-19 in seconds and with impressive accuracy.
Research Contributions

Dogs have played a vital role in scientific research, particularly in medicine. Because of their large size, they have been used for cardiovascular-renal studies. One of the early models of hypertension was produced by blocking dogs’ arteries. Without doing such research, insulin may not have been discovered till today.
Military Service

For years, military services have been assisted by dogs with field skills. These capabilities are used to find explosives, locate enemy combatants, secure military personnel, and more. They have saved lives and supported soldiers in many battles. Their presence may also boost the morale of troops.
Law Enforcement

Police dogs are used for crime prevention and investigation. They learn how to assist law enforcement agencies in various capacities and are also called K-9. Their responsibilities include attacking fleeing suspects, finding drugs and explosives, and protecting officers. Speed, focus, agility, and keen senses are some attributes these dogs possess.
Transportation and Work

In some regions, particularly in Arctic areas, dogs are used for transportation. Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and other sled dogs are valuable in traveling and transporting goods in snowy and icy conditions. Because their strength and endurance enable them to pull sleds over long distances, they are indispensable in remote and harsh environments.
Sports and Recreation

They partake in various sports and recreational activities that promote physical fitness and mental stimulation. Agility competitions, flyball, and obedience trials showcase their athleticism and training. These activities benefit dogs and their owners by strengthening their bond and encouraging an active lifestyle.
Socialization

Interacting with dogs helps teach humans some important social skills. Pet ownership instills a sense of responsibility, as dogs require regular care, feeding, and exercise. We learn empathy, patience, and effective communication by walking, training, and playing with dogs. Having dogs also provides opportunities for social engagement with other dog owners.
Biodiversity Conservation

Dogs have been used in conservation efforts to locate endangered birds, mammals, and reptiles and may soon be used to locate amphibians. They can also fish out and detect invasive plants and animals, which is possible after training them to find specific scents. What they do supports efforts to protect biodiversity, manage ecosystems, and combat environmental threats.