The Secret Life of the Dog

We have an extraordinary relationship with dogs - closer than with any other animal on the planet. But what makes the bond between us so special? Research into dogs is gaining momentum, and scientists are investigating them like never before. From the latest fossil evidence, to the sequencing of the canine genome, to cognitive experiments, dogs are fast turning into the new chimps as a window into understanding ourselves. Where does this relationship come from? In Siberia, a unique breeding experiment reveals the astonishing secret of how dogs evolved from wolves. Swedish scientists demonstrate how the human/dog bond is controlled by a powerful hormone also responsible for bonding mothers to their babies. Why are dogs so good at reading our emotions? Horizon meets Betsy, the world's most intelligent dog, and compares her incredible abilities to those of children. Man's best friend has recently gone one step further - helping us identify genes responsible for causing human diseases.

Other episodes for this season

Do I Drink Too Much?
Episode 1 - Do I Drink Too Much?
The Secret You
Episode 2 - The Secret You
Fix Me
Episode 3 - Fix Me
Who's Afraid of a Big Black Hole?
Episode 4 - Who's Afraid of a Big Bla...
Why Do We Talk?
Episode 5 - Why Do We Talk?
How Long is a Piece of String?
Episode 6 - How Long is a Piece of St...
The Secret Life of the Dog
Episode 7 - The Secret Life of the Dog
Why Do Viruses Kill?
Episode 8 - Why Do Viruses Kill?
Pill Poppers
Episode 9 - Pill Poppers
Don't Grow Old
Episode 10 - Don't Grow Old
To Infinity and Beyond
Episode 11 - To Infinity and Beyond
What Makes a Genius?
Episode 12 - What Makes a Genius?
Did Cooking Make Us Human?
Episode 13 - Did Cooking Make Us Human...
Is Everything We Know About the Universe Wrong?
Episode 14 - Is Everything We Know Abo...