With nearly a billion estimated worldwide, it is surprising that only recently have we really begun to understand the lives of our beloved dogs, with scientists just starting to uncover their emotional and intellectual genius. Through their extraordinary powers to read our emotions, take our perspective, and exceed our physical ability, our closest companions have been able to join us in all walks of life-truly earning the name man's best friend.

Originally released by BBC, 2017. Streaming video file encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on May 22, 2019.

Why Are Dogs Man's Best Friend? (3:29); --Bond Between Man and Dog (5:46); -- Unique Genetic Stamp (7:19); -- Power of Observation (9:08); -- Understanding Dogs (2:23); -- Great Companions (8:05); -- Seeing From Our Perspective (6:14); -- Social Animals (3:57); -- Different Breeds Meeting (3:07); -- Credits: The Secret Life of Dogs: Episode 1 (0:29); .