Dogs share 99.8 per cent of their DNA with grey wolves. Despite being domesticated around 15,000 years ago, genetically canines are predisposed to loyally serve and protect their packs. A dog will naturally treat the individual that feeds and disciplines it as its parent. As human masters often fill this dominant role, our species has built up a strong bond with canines. This human-canine connection is put to good use to herd other animals, as demonstrated by 15-year-old Amy and her border collie, Mist. Collies make ideal herders, and they have been bred to understand a wide array of human commands and whistled signals. The level of devotion that exists between owner and dog makes a vast difference to the effectiveness of such a partnership. Having overcome the hurdles of being a young lady in what is predominantly an older man’s pursuit, Amy’s excellent junior amateur record means that she and Mist are now able to compete in the English National Sheepdog Trials – a stunning achievement for such a young pair. Amy has little doubt that this incredible success comes from the affectionate bond she shares with Mist. “She’s my best friend,” Amy says. The MIRA foundation in Quebec is a guide dog training facility that specialises in breeding ‘Labernese’ dogs – a crossbreed between a Labrador and a Bernese mountain dog. Widely regarded as having the best characteristics of both dogs, the animals are bred and trained to work with autistic children. Sufferers of autism have impaired social interaction and are prone to lash out when confused or uncomfortable, but it has been proven that dogs can have a calming effect on their owners. By relying on the animal’s innate sense of loyalty, autistic owners can benefit from a tangible improvement in their social skills. Autistic teenager Marc-Antoine is noticeably calmed by his new dog, Tartin. By listening to Tartin’s heartbeat, Marc-Antoine also sleeps much more soundly than he did in the past. “It