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How did humans use dogs in hunter-gatherer societies?

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A Labradoodle dog runs energetically through grass with a stick in its mouth, ears flopping and tail raised. — dog A Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, a mix intended to incorporate the Poodle's intelligence and low-shedding coat with a Lab's energy and determination.

In hunter-gatherer societies, dogs served as essential partners, primarily acting as allies in hunting and as bodyguards against predators. While the exact origins of this relationship are not fully understood, it is believed that dogs were among the first animals domesticated, potentially assisting humans in finding food and tracking game.123

This partnership was facilitated by the dog's inherited ability to read human social behavior and communication, which helped establish a close bond between the two species. Beyond their role in the hunt, dogs provided security for the group. Archaeological evidence, including illustrations on walls and tombs, confirms that dogs were frequently depicted hunting alongside their human counterparts, highlighting their long-standing importance to human survival and communal activity.214