These Dogs Changed History

We know from personal experience that a dog can change your life. But, what dogs have shaped history? Read below to learn more!

Pavlov’s Dog

Pavlov discovered the learning behavior called classical conditioning. In his experiment,  Pavlov understood that dogs would salivate to food. Then, he created a connection between the sound of a bell and the promise of food. So, Pavlov created an association between the sound of a bell and food, causing dogs to salivate whenever they heard a bell. Classical conditioning is a well-known and important topic in modern psychology. Additionally, Pavlov’s discovery is used in animal training and even human behavioral modifications.

Dog That Inspired Velcro

Swiss inventor George de Mestral invented Velcro with the help and inspiration of his dog. He observed that his dog’s fur was covered in cockleburs which held onto the fur although they were not sticky. Upon looking at the burs under a microscope, he discovered that they had a natural hook shape. Then, he invented a 2-sided fastener that we now know as velcro!

Buddy: First American Seeing Eye Dog

Dorothy Harrison Eustis was an American dog trainer who witnessed Swiss World War I veterans who had lost their sight being assisted by dogs. She was contacted by Morris Frank who had lost vision in his left eye when he was 6, then became completely blind at 20. Eutis organized Frank to come to Switzerland where he was presented with his seeing-eye dog, Buddy. Then, she taught Frank how to bond, trust and work with Buddy. The pair agreed to bring seeing-eye dogs to other Americans in need of assistance.

Jofi: First Therapy Dog

Jofi was Sigmund Freud’s Chow Chow. She is considered to be the inspiration behind modern pet therapies. Freud believed her presence was calming and caused patients to be much more open and honest.

Laika: First Living Being In Space

In 1957, Laika became the first living being to be sent into space. Laika was a passenger on Sputnick 2. However, they were more focused on getting her into space than on her safety. So, she sadly passed before reaching orbit. But, this caused competition between other countries in the “race to space”. Countries shifted their focus to being the first to put a man on the moon.

Peritas: Alexander The Great’s Dog

Peritas was a brave dog that saved Alexander’s life during a battle. If Alexander had not lived, he would not have become the greatest conqueror. Additionally, he would not have established one of the largest empires ever, and civilization as we know it may not exist!

The dogs above have changed and shaped history into what we know today. How cool is it that our furry friends have such a huge impact!