Fido certainly has earned the title of Man’s Best Friend. While we’re learning more about our early history with dogs all the time, the latest research indicates that we first befriended Fido between 26,000 and 19,700 years ago. Of course, cave men didn’t take their dogs to a kennel when they were leaving town for a mammoth hunt. When did doggy babysitting become a thing? Read on and find out! In this article from Valley Pet Hotel, your Rialto, CA pet kennel, also serving Bloomington, CA, we take a look at the history of dog care and boarding.
The Early Days With Fido
Most likely, our early interactions were based on dogs eating our food scraps. It probably didn’t take too long to notice that Fido is pretty cute. Most likely, one of mankind’s early ancestors took in a puppy and made a friend, and others soon took notice. Recent research indicates that we first domesticated dogs in Siberia. Fido then accompanied us through Eurasia and, later, to the Americas.
It’s not hard to picture dogs sitting at a fire, happily gnawing on wooly mammoth or saber-tooth tiger bones. However, we’ve come a long way since then. Over time, we developed a mutually-beneficial relationship with Fido. We offered food and shelter, and dogs in turn helped us with hunting, tracking, and protecting our properties. (We now also offer bacon, toys, beds, belly rubs, car rides, cookies, and ear scritches, but that’s beside the point.)
Our canine pals have been hunting with us for at least about 12,000 years. They also helped us haul sleds and carriages. Selective breeding came into play about 9,000 years ago. Since then, we’ve developed and fine-tuned hundreds of breeds. The AKC currently has 200 adorable pups on its roster of official breeds. However, not every breed is listed in their ranks. According to Brittanica, there are actually about 400 different breeds.
Our History With Fluffy
We made friends with Fluffy a bit later: data indicates that we first made friends with cats about 9,000 years ago. Of course, this is one area where dogs and cats are quite different. We likely had to ply Fido with bones and treats. It’s entirely possible that some cute kitty walked into a hut, dropped a dead mouse on the floor, and then curled up by the fire. (That’s another topic, though.)
The History of Doghouses
Long before there were kennels, there were dog houses. Actually, before there were actual dog houses, there were mud structures. Pups also often roomed in our barns, huts, and castles.
The doghouse, as we know it today, seems to have first come into being around the 19th century, with the early ones being very simple structures made of whatever branches, sticks, or other materials people had on hand.
Dog Houses first became common around the rise of the industrial age, which is when goods first started being mass-produced. This also coincided with a shift from rural to urban cultures. Another factor was that materials such as lumber and plywood were readily available. Farm dogs likely still bunked with their hooved buddies, but city and suburban pups needed some spots of their own.
The 60’s saw a boom in plastic, which of course led to the plastic doghouse. (Note: plastic really isn’t the best material to make a doghouse out of.) Since then, Fido’s house has gone through quite a few pupgrades. Today’s pampered pup might have his own deck, pool, or porch. It’s probably safe to say that some pooches even have smarthouses. There are also some really, really cute dog houses out there. DIY dog houses are also becoming pretty popular.
Nowadays, most pups sleep in the house with their humans. That’s only right: after all, Fido is part of the family! However, he does like having a spot of his own to hang out in outdoors.
When Was The Dog Crate Invented?
We don’t have an exact date for this. People used to use cages made of wood or wicker to transport animals, so it stands to reason that dogs had been transported that way as well. What we do know is that the first dog show happened in 1859, during the Victorian age. We also know that the first crate was patented in 1902, which is when breeding and showing was really starting to gain traction. Crates also would have been used to transport Fido to Europe during the World Wars.
Our Evolving Relationship With Dogs
We’ve also changed the way we look at our canine pals over the years. While we’ve certainly formed strong bonds with dogs in the past. However, Fido traditionally earned his keep. Today’s pooch is, more often than not, a family pet. Modern dogs also don’t usually have a whole farm to run around and patrol, but a small yard. As populations grew, it became more important to be able to keep our canine companions safe and sound at home.
When Did Pet Sitting Start?
It’s safe to say that people have been unofficial petsitters for, well, probably quite a while. Someone may ask a neighbor to feed or care for their dog when they went on vacation, or keep their kitty while they went camping. But as far as official petsitting organizations, we will go with 1983, which is the date that Patti Moran, who later founded Petsitters International, founded the first pet sitting business here in America.
The Evolution Of Dog Kennels
Fido’s first kennels were quite plain. However, they’ve definitely gotten quite a few pupgrades in recent years. Many kennels—including ours—now provide all sorts of features, perks, and extras that help make things more comfortable for Man’s Best Friend. Pups can enjoy all sorts of doggy luxuries, from extra playtime, treats, and cuddles to one-on-one walks.
There also seems to be a trend as millennials become customers. We’re seeing more and more luxury doggy items and high-tech perks. We’re also happy to offer some great pupgrades at our Rialto, CA dog boarding kennel.
When Did Doggy Daycare Become A Thing?
Doggy daycares are fairly new: they really just started popping up in the late twentieth century. This is another great example of how we have really come to understand our canine buddies’ needs. We’ve always known that, like any other living being, dogs need food, water, and shelter to survive, and that proper veterinary care keeps them healthy. However, we now also know that Man’s Best Friend is very emotional, and can get quite lonely and distressed without entertainment and stimulation. That’s why today’s kennel isn’t solely focused on keeping Fido safe and fed. Tail wags are also important!
Doggy daycare isn’t just a luxury. Allowing your pet a chance to run and play with his pals while you’re at work is great for his mental and emotional health. This is also a ‘pawesome’ way for you to keep Fido fit.
Book A Stay At Our Rialto, CA Pet Hotel
Do you need to schedule boarding for your canine pal? Please do not hesitate to contact us here at Valley Pet Hotel, your Rialto, CA pet kennel, also serving Bloomington, CA, with questions or concerns. We are dedicated to providing excellent care for all of our furry wards!
