It’s not the first time I’ve heard of the man and dog evolution going back that far. Back in 91 when I was a USAF MWD handler I had read about dogs separating from wolves to coexist with humans back when they were hunter gatherers. I don’t recall what evidence they had but I do remember hearing about it that long ago and dogs being the first domesticated animal and that they were “self domesticated “. Also heard that the fact that their digestive system being able to break down complex carbohydrates and other starchy foods somehow speaks for a certain amount of evolution that can date the relationship back several thousand years.
