Dogs have been domesticated for longer than any other animal on the planet, and humans have developed a unique relationship with these furry friends. New research is revealing what dog lovers have suspected all along: Dogs have an uncanny ability to read and respond to human emotions. What is surprising, however, is research showing that humans, in turn, respond to dogs with the same hormone responsible for bonding mothers to their babies. How did this relationship between humans and dogs evolve? And how can dogs, so closely related to fearsome wild wolves, behave so differently? “Dogs Decoded” investigates discoveries in genetics that are illuminating the origin of dogs — with revealing implications for the evolution of human culture as well.
"Dogs Decoded" on Nova can be seen on Wednesday, July 3rd at 8:00 p.m. on channel 3 and channel 3-1.