Yes, dogs, or more accurately, their ancestors, have existed long before the emergence of modern humans. The domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) is believed to have evolved from wild wolves (Canis lupus) tens of thousands of years ago.
The exact timeline of when and where dogs were domesticated is still a topic of ongoing research and debate among scientists. However, evidence suggests that the process of dog domestication likely began between 20,000 and 40,000 years ago.
Wolves and ancient humans may have started to form a mutually beneficial relationship, leading to early stages of domestication. Wolves that were less fearful of humans and more tolerant of their presence may have scavenged near human campsites, consuming food scraps and waste. Over time, these less aggressive and more sociable wolves might have been more readily accepted by humans, leading to a gradual process of domestication.
As this process continued, humans likely selectively bred these animals for certain traits, such as cooperation, hunting abilities, and companionship, eventually leading to the diverse breeds of dogs we have today. Throughout history, dogs have served humans in various roles, including hunting, herding, guarding, and providing companionship.
So, in summary, dogs' ancestors (wolves) existed long before humanity, and the domestication of dogs is thought to have occurred thousands of years ago. Today, dogs are one of humanity's closest animal companions and have a deep and rich history of coexistence with humans.