Here's a breakdown of the evidence and different perspectives:
* Archaeological evidence: The oldest known dog remains date back to around 14,000 years ago, found in Germany. However, some researchers argue that even earlier evidence, like wolf skulls with unusual features, suggests domestication may have begun as early as 40,000 years ago.
* Genetic evidence: Studies comparing dog and wolf DNA suggest that dogs diverged from wolves around 20,000 to 40,000 years ago. This evidence is consistent with the archaeological findings.
* Behavioral evidence: Domestication is often associated with changes in behavior. Dogs display traits like social tolerance and a tendency to follow human signals that are not seen in wild wolves. These traits likely developed over time, further supporting a long history of co-evolution between humans and dogs.
It's important to note:
* The domestication process wasn't a single event but a gradual shift over thousands of years.
* The origins of dog domestication are likely diverse, possibly occurring independently in different regions.
* Ongoing research continues to refine our understanding of this complex process.
Therefore, while there is no definitive answer, the most likely timeframe for dog domestication falls between 15,000 and 40,000 years ago.