It is generally accepted that the dogs ancestors were first attracted to human settlements for the scavenging opportunities. They came to eat the human waste, food scraps and garbage that was thrown into garbage piles. The villagers became accustomed to these creatures; they perhaps even valued the elimination of waste and food that would attract undesirable scavengers, such as vermin. It is thought that the scavenging dogs became territorial over their garbage piles. They then began to bark at approaching strangers and animals. The villagers grew to appreciate these warnings, so they were welcomed even further into the village life.
Eventually, hunters discovered that dogs could be helpful. They discovered that dogs could track scent, or even take down large game. The villagers also discovered that dogs could be useful in guarding and herding livestock. Dogs were also trained to guard people and to pull sleds and other cargo. Over the next 10,000 years dogs became helpers across the continents and in many different capacities.
