Answer:
When did people first start keeping dogs as pets? - Dogs were the first animals to be domesticated. Sources suggest that this was in 12000 BC, but I don't know how much confidence I'd put in this estimate. We really don't know what was going on until the written record emerged.
Why? - Dogs were domesticated from wolves to serve as companions, unlike other classes like chickens (domesticated to eat) or camels (domesticated to ride).
What were the first dogs like? - Probably pretty wild and ferocious! These dogs would be nothing like the little pets like chihuahuas. To survive in the wild or at a human's side, they would need to be able to defend themselves and provide positive, helpful use for humans.
How did they help people? - Early humans were hunter-gatherers, which meant that they not only hunted animals to get food but also gathered crops. Dogs were able to assist in hunting because their noses are so good, and they could sense danger before humans.
