According to a 2011 study published by the Humane Society of the United States, approximately 39 percent of U.S. households include at least one canine family member. Dogs provide companionship and unconditional love like no other animal, including humans, so it’s no difficult feat to figure out why so many people choose to let their lives — and their homes — go to the dogs.  

It’s only been recently that more attention has been paid to studying dogs, their history and their psychology, but thankfully this research has been documented and the filmed results are available for humans and their dogs to view. If you’re one of the millions whose lives have been touched by a four-legged furry canine friend, you probably seek out ways to give a little something back to the one (or ones) who have made life worth living. Your dog is probably already pretty accomplished at understanding you, but now it’s your turn. Spend a little time with one or all of these documentaries and gain some insight into understanding your pooch. 

The Secret Life of Dogs

It might seem to you that your dog is better at understanding your moods and emotions than your spouse is — and according to “The Secret Life of Dogs”, you’re probably right. This fascinating documentary details a number of research studies focusing on dogs, but one specific report spotlights dogs’ abilities to recognize and comprehend the emotions of humans. Partial spoiler alert: turns out dogs analyze human faces the same way humans do. ‘Nuff said. It’s worth the time to tune in to see just what an amazing feat it is and how researchers figured that one out.   

The Dogs of New York

There’s not a lot of data on what caused a decline in the dog pup-ulation in New York in the 1970’s ad 1980’s, but dog lovers of the world, take heart. “The Dogs of New York” reveals that the number of dogs who have taken up residence in the Big Apple is currently at an all-time high: an amazing and impressive 1.25 million. Some speculate that, since the number has surged over the past five years, 9/11 was the event that gave impetus to New Yorkers rediscovering their need to have someone to come home to, a furry someone who could be the source of unconditional love.It’s heartening to see, too, how pampered these NYC pooches are. From visiting macys.com for ultra-comfy dog beds and chic dog bedding fit for royalty to taking their pups for nonfat kosher ice cream, the humans make sure the big city dogs are livin’ large.  

Dogs Decoded

If, by understanding your dog, your aim is to learn the difference between his “woof” and his “bark”, “Dogs Decoded” is a must-see documentary. In the wild, wolves only bark as a warning, so researchers have come to the conclusion that, having evolved from wolves, dogs also evolved their communication techniques as they interacted more and more with humans. It’s nice to have scientific research to back up what you’ve known all along: that your dog really does talk to you and there’s a rhyme and reason to his groans, mumbles and yips.  

These are just a few of the many doggie documentaries that have recently been produced. The existence of such a wide selection of different doggie topics is testament in itself of the significant role that dogs have in humans’ lives. You already know how important your canine companion is to you. It’s satisfying validation to know that you’re both in good company.