Humans and dogs may have formed a bond over 15,000 years ago.

Ancient DNA and isotopic analysis indicate dogs were associated with humans more than 15,000 years ago, with specimens reported from Anatolia and the UK.

New ancient DNA and isotopic analyses indicate the relationship between humans and dogs extends farther into prehistory than previously thought. Researchers report dog remains dated to about 15,800 years in Anatolia and 14,300 years at Gough's Cave in the UK. Earlier estimates placed domestication near the end of the last ice age, around 12,000 years ago, and the oldest direct genetic evidence had dated to about 10,900 years. The study used advanced sequencing and isotopic methods to better distinguish dog remains from those of wolves. Key findings: - Ancient DNA analysis indicates dogs were associated with humans more than 15,000 years ago. - Reported specimens include a 15,800-year-old find in Anatolia and a 14,300-year-old find in Gough's Cave, UK. - Earlier views placed domestication around 12,000 years ago, near the end of the last ice age. - Prior direct genetic evidence extended to about 10,900 years, and many older bones were too fragmented to separate dogs from wolves. - Researchers applied isotopic analysis and advanced sequencing to reassess remains and identify early dog ancestries. Summary: The study pushes back the likely timeline for human–dog association by roughly 5,000 years and raises the possibility that domestication occurred during the last ice age. Undetermined at this time.