The crude view of evolution is often stark—a struggle for life in the wilderness, dominated by the strong, the cunning, the fierce, or the exquisitely camouflaged. And yet, who thrives today? Dogs. Soft-hearted, gentle-mouthed, remarkably persuasive in getting what they want (particularly in this permissive age), and living precisely as they please. Such creatures were bred not for survival in the wild but for herding livestock, assisting hunters, performing specialized tasks, and most importantly, human companionship. How did they become one of nature’s greatest successes?

Surviving predators is just one part of the story. When it comes to the dog-human relationship, “ competition ” isn’t about outsmarting rivals or escaping danger—unless you count who catches the Frisbee first. Instea

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