Man's Best Friend Gift Set

Includes Extraordinary Dogs, Dogs that Changed the World, and Dogs: The Early Years  

Extraordinary Dogs:
Dogs are anything but common animals. They develop lifelong bonds with the people that take care of them. Sometimes, they instinctively know when a human or animal companion is in trouble and in need of help. Whether it's assisting the disabled or finding a person trapped underneath snow, dogs can be counted on to get the job done. Loveable and dependable, canines have been assisting their human pals for hundreds of years — from pulling dogsleds to helping the blind get through the day safely. Dogs' desire to please and willingness to follow commands make them good working partners as well as loving companions. Through heartwarming and intimate personal stories about individual dogs and their owners, NATURE explores the world of dogs that go beyond "man's best friend".

Dogs that Changed the World
Program 1: The Rise of the Dog: From the tiniest Chihuahua to the largest St. Bernard, all dogs claim the wolf as their ancestor. But how did the wolf become the domesticated dog, and how did the hundreds of breeds we know today come to be so different? Using DNA analysis and other research, scientists have now pieced together the puzzle of canine evolution, creating a fascinating picture of how dogs became an indispensable part of our own history.

Program 2: Dogs by Design: Some working dogs are able to use their skills to perform tasks they were bred for; there are still jobs today for herders, hunters, and guard dogs. But as we multiply and transform the many breeds of dogs, honing their looks and their sizes, we also change our relationship with them, and theirs with us. How can we learn to cope with the hard-wired instincts of our pets, and what roles can they play in a world their ancestors would hardly recognize?

Dogs: The Early Years
Puppies of any breed enchant and beguile us. But choosing one as a pet solely on the basis of its visual appeal can lead to a mismatch with unfortunate consequences for both owner and dog. DOGS: THE EARLY YEARS presents an incisive look at the breeding, behavior, and training of humankind's best friend, including useful pointers on how to avoid mistakes when selecting a puppy. To choose a compatible puppy for a relationship that will last the dog's lifetime, it's important to understand the history of the breeds the prospective owner is considering. Viewers are shown, for example, that dogs bred for the outdoor work of hunting, tracking, herding, or retrieving are not wise choices for people seeking a quiet companion or a gentle playmate for their children. Besides helping viewers make informed choices about puppies, the program illustrates the importance of proper training — also key to a satisfying relationship.